Sleep Disorders

 Sleep Disorders

People declare sleep as one of the best things in life. Unfortunately, about 50-70 million Americans have a sleep disorder.

Sleep disorders can come in all shapes and sizes. From snoring to insomnia, there are various reasons that sleep might pose a frustrating dilemma. You desperately want a good night’s sleep, yet it doesn’t seem to be happening.

What Causes Lack of Sleep? Stress is one of the most common causes, and unfortunately, this can turn into a vicious cycle.

You get stressed, so you can’t sleep. But you can’t sleep because you’re stressed. Cortisol, the stress hormone, causes us to feel alert. Thus, stress and sleep really don’t mix!

Travel or work schedules can throw off your circadian rhythm. Additionally, poor sleep hygiene or sleep habits can leave you lacking in the sleep department. 

Major Sleep Disorders -

There are around 80 sleep disorders. Yet, the top 5 include

1. Insomnia is defined by difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep.

Frequently, this sleep disorder results from stress, environmental factors (such as loud noises or lights), jet lag, or genetics (there is some evidence indicating insomnia runs in families). Other reasons insomnia may occur include thyroid issues, depression, anxiety, caffeine use, drug use, alcohol use, pregnancy, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, menopause, and PMS. 

Usually, treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, such as practicing regular relaxation techniques or getting to the bottom of any hormonal issues or substance abuse problems.

2. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is when a person literally stops breathing in the middle of the night. While they pick right back up a few seconds later, it can be ultra-disruptive when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. This type of sleep disorder happens when the throat muscles become too relaxed, the brain isn’t sending the proper signals during sleep for controlling breathing, or both. Individuals who are more at risk include those with a higher than average neck circumference, excess weight, smoking, being male, and nasal congestion.

Treatment may involve a combined approach, such as using a sleep apnea machine while also focusing on lifestyle changes to lose weight.

3. Narcolepsy involves frequent daytime drowsiness.

This often leads to “attacks of sleep,” which often means individuals with this type of sleep disorder have difficulty staying awake for long durations. Interestingly, the cause of this particular sleep disorder isn’t entirely known. Experts note that individuals diagnosed with narcolepsy frequently have low hypocretin, which is a critical neurochemical involved in the sleep-wake cycle.

Treatment usually involves medication, along with lifestyle changes. These may include taking naps, sticking to a set sleep schedule, obtaining regular exercise, and abstaining from drug or alcohol use.

4. Restless Legs Syndrome happens when individuals have uncontrollable urges to shake or move their legs. This urge comes on due to other uncomfortable sensations. Unfortunately, it happens frequently when lying down and, in the evening, becomes a major sleep disruptor.

Medications may also be prescribed for this sleep disorder. However, lifestyle modifications are usually encouraged, such as exercise, warm baths, abstaining from caffeine use, and using foot wraps.

5. REM (Rapid Eye Movement a person “re-enacts” dream situations in their sleep, such as yelling out or with violent leg or arm movements.

Usually, during REM sleep, you don’t move. Unfortunately, this type of disorder is linked to various neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

What is parasomnia? “Parasomnia” refers to disruptive sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, talking in your sleep, eating in your sleep, or sleep paralysis.

Some of these behaviors may be linked to one of the above common sleep disorders. Furthermore, these “parasomnias” may run in families, becoming triggered by sleep disorders.

What is the best sleep therapy?

Attending a sleep clinic is of the utmost importance. A specialist will examine sleep behavior, determine a diagnosis, and help draft a treatment plan specific to you. Some of the best sleep therapy involves lifestyle choices. For instance, practicing proper sleep hygiene, including going to bed and waking up simultaneously and sleeping in a quiet, cool, and dark space, can help in leaps and bounds. 

Sleep disorders are serious conditions that can impact daily life, health, and overall happiness. Sleep is one of the things to elevate life and feel like your best self.