Sleep disorders are major disturbances of normal sleep patterns, which lead to distress and disrupt functioning during the day. Not only are sleep disorders extremely common, affecting virtually everyone at some point in their lives, but they can also lead to serious stress and other health consequences.
Sleep disorders cause more than just sleepiness. The lack of quality sleep can have a negative impact on your energy, emotional balance, and health. If you’re experiencing sleeping problems, learn about the symptoms of common sleep disorders, what you can do to help yourself.
Types & Symptoms:
Many common symptoms may suggest the presence of a sleep disorder. Some of these symptoms, such as fatigue, may also occur with other medical disorders. In addition, each sleep disorder may have specific symptoms unique to it.
1. Insomnia:
Insomnia is a sleep disorder where the sufferer finds it difficult to fall and/or stay asleep. People with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Trouble in falling asleep. This can mean lying in bed for up to an hour or more, tossing and turning, waiting to fall asleep.
- Wake up too early in the morning.
- Problems at day time such as fatigue; sleepiness; problems with mood, concentration; accidents at work or while driving, etc.
2. Sleepwalking:
Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder that causes people to get up and walk while sleeping. Sleepwalking typically occurs when a person is in the deep stages of sleep. The sleepwalker is unable to respond during the event and does not remember sleepwalking. In some cases, sleepwalking is associated with incoherent talking. Certain factors may cause a person to sleepwalk:
- Sitting up in bed and repeating movements, such as rubbing the eyes.
- Roam around the house, perhaps opening and closing doors or turning lights on and off.
- Do routine activities, such as getting dressed or making a snack — even driving a car.
3. Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and you feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include:
- Loud snoring, which is usually more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea.
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat.
- Breathing cessation during sleep witnessed by another person.
Treatment:
Some sleep disorders are attributed entirely to a medical condition, while many often have psychological roots. Many sleep disorders develop during a difficult transition in one’s life, or as the result of anxiety or depression. There are many different types of self treatments that may be used to cure sleep disorders. Many of these different styles of treatments focus on changing behaviors, setting and achieving goals, becoming more self-aware, learning relaxation skills, and empowering the client to take control of his or her own situation. These treatments can help people with various skills to change unwanted sleep patterns.
- Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and sedatives, especially before bedtime as they relax the muscles in the throat and interfere with breathing.
- Avoid caffeine and heavy meals within two hours of going to bed.
- Maintain regular sleep hours. Sticking to a steady sleep schedule will help you relax and sleep better.
Sleep disorders are common and can have very serious consequences. However, they can be treated. Improving your sleeping habits and adopting home remedies for sleep disorders can help you to achieve a good night’s sleep.
