Sleep disorders affect millions of people each and every day and, while insomnia is one such condition that can affect the quality of sleep, there are many other disorders. Still, many people don’t seek treatment for their sleep disorder, either because they don’t recognize the symptoms or they don’t take the condition to be serious. They assume that failing to get enough sleep is just a temporary problem that will eventually correct itself, or they don’t view a sleep disorder as a life-threatening medical condition. In fact, an untreated sleep disorder can lead to a whole host of physical and mental illnesses. When we sleep, our bodies are still working, taking this time to recharge and repair the body, after the strains of the previous day.
When we don’t get enough sleep, this process is interrupted, which can weaken our immune system and open us up to illnesses from the common cold to more serious conditions like heart disease. Additionally, people who aren’t well rested are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Over time, these conditions can worsen and increase stress levels. In some cases, people attempt to help themselves, instead of seeking expert medical assistance. They tend to self-medicate, either with over the counter sleep aids or with alcohol, but this can cause the condition to grow worse. Without knowing more about the specific sleep disorder, such as the underlying cause, it can be difficult to effectively treat the condition. Only a qualified sleep specialist can help you resolve the condition and deliver you to a better quality of life.
1. Insomnia
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting as many as 40 million people just in the United States. While this can end up becoming a frustrating condition that seems incurable, relief can often be found through simple lifestyle changes. Many people exacerbate the condition by making poor choices, such as drinking too many caffeinated products or abusing alcohol. These substances prevent the body from relaxing and prevent the individual either from falling asleep or staying asleep. Additionally, over stimulating the mind is a common problem that can cause insomnia.
This challenge to quality sleep has grown even worse in our new technological age. Staring at the blue light given off by televisions, computer monitors, and mobile devices can adversely affect your ability to fall asleep. In fact, doctors now recommend turning electronic devices off at least one hour before bed. Even some medications can cause insomnia in certain individuals. Substances such as antidepressants, cold and allergy medications, and steroids have all been shown to interfere with the sleep cycle. If you’re experiencing insomnia and tak8ng prescription drugs, you should ask your doctor if there could be a correlation. It may be necessary to reduce the dosage or switch to a different medication.
2. Sleep Apnea
While sleep apnea is recognized by loud snoring that can be frustrating to the sleeper’s partner, it’s actually a very serious condition. Frequently during the night, the individual can stop breathing. This happens in one of two ways: the throat muscles relax and the airway becomes obstructed or the brain fails to regulate breathing properly during sleep. In extreme cases, an individual can experience both of these conditions simultaneously and this is known as Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome. In mild cases, sleep apnea may be cured with lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight. For more serious conditions, devices delivering positive airway pressure may have to be worn during sleep.
3. Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is actually a problem with the nervous system that compels an individual to move their legs. This often occurs at rest and interferes with sleep, so it is also considered a sleep disorder. While doctors don’t know the exact cause of RLS, they believe it’s a genetic disorder and suspect it’s aggravated by certain conditions. Chronic disease, such as liver and kidney disease, some prescription drugs, and even pregnancy may increase the severity of the symptoms. While there’s no cure for RLS, lifestyle changes, such as more physical activity and abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics, may reduce symptoms. Leg massages have also been known to help.
4. REM Sleep Disorder
In regular REM sleep, the body goes through a number of physical changes, which includes temporary paralysis. However, a person suffering from REM sleep disorder doesn’t experience this state of muscle paralysis. As a result, they violently act out their dreams, as they sleep. They can kick, punch, jump, yell, talk, or sit up in bed, as a result. Treatment often consists of medication, such as melatonin or clonazepam. Additionally, your doctor may recommend taking precautions, such as padding the bed frame and surrounding floor. Dangerous objects should also be removed from the sleeping area and cushioned barriers should be installed around the bed.
5. Narcolepsy
There are a number of symptoms of narcolepsy that can impair an individual’s quality of life. For instance, excessive feelings of being tired can lead to foggy mental functioning, depression, and an inability to concentrate. They may also experience cataplexy, which is characterized by general muscle weakness and loss of muscle control. Severity of cataplexy can range from slurred speech to the entire body collapsing. Narcolepsy can also cause hallucinations or sleep paralysis. While there is no cure for this sleep disorder, the symptoms can be managed with medication. Stimulants are often prescribed to combat sleepiness, while antidepressants encourage more normal REM sleep patterns.
6. Sleepwalking
Also known as somnambulism, here is another more commonly known sleep disorder. Typically, it affects children and they outgrow the condition by their early teens. In cases where sleepwalking persists, it can be an indication of another related sleep disorder. Symptoms include walking around while still asleep. While the sleepwalker may have their eyes open, they will often have a blank stare and will not respond to communication. There are a few different methods for treating this condition, beyond prescription medications. These include discovering the underlying cause, therapy and counseling, and hypnosis to eliminate the sleepwalking behaviors. Additionally, it can help to wake the individual about 15 minutes before they normally sleepwalk.
7. Sleep Terrors
Also called night terrors, this disorder consists of experiencing intense fear, while asleep. The individual often screams and flails his limbs, during one of these episodes. Sleep terrors can also be connected to episodes of sleepwalking. These episodes rarely last longer than a few minutes and some may only last a couple of seconds. Sleep terrors generally affect children and they usually outgrow them by their teens. The condition can be treated by resolving the underlying condition, which may be related to stress. Medication can also alleviate sleep terrors. An episode can be averted by awakening the sleeper 15 minutes before the expected start of the incident.
8. Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition that causes an individual to grind or clench his teeth during sleep, though he may also do this while awake. It may also be accompanied by other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. While this can be a mild condition, if left untreated, it can lead to jaw soreness, frequent headaches, and can cause damage to the teeth. The best way to treat bruxism is by addressing dental problems and jaw discomfort. Through medication and proper dental care, the problems that cause the individual to grind his teeth can be eliminated. In severe cases, the individual may have to wear splints or mouth guards to bed.
