Many things may cause you to experience a sleep disruption, which may entail lack of sleep at night and excessive sleep during the day. The factors that cause sleep issues are referred to as sleep disorders and may include different conditions such as insomnia, snoring, circadian disorders, narcolepsy, and parasomnias. These conditions can be caused by both psychological and physical factors. Since sleep disorders can be quite overwhelming to deal with, it makes a lot of sense to have a good understanding of these conditions. With proper comprehension, you can take the needed actions to handle them. This article looks into the major types of sleep disorders that you need to know about.
- Insomnia
Insomnia can be referred to as an inability to obtain a good amount of sleep to feel relaxed and rested. The condition can be characterized by either difficulty falling or staying asleep. Many individuals with this sleep disorder take about 30 minutes to fall asleep or get back to sleep when they wake up at night. If this takes place at least 3 nights per week and the condition stays up to 3 months, then it is referred to as chronic insomnia. However, if it only lasts for a few weeks, then it is called acute insomnia. Insomnia is a very common condition that affects about 10% of individuals. The best treatment for insomnia entails cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and a reduced use of sleeping pills.
- Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a type of disorder that leads to an irresistible and intense urge to move the legs during sleep. The sensation comes about by resting the legs too much like after sitting for a long period. Restless legs syndrome is mostly witnessed in the evenings, making it hard for the affected individual to fall asleep. This condition can be associated with other issues such as irritability, daytime sleepiness, and a lack of concentration. At most times, individuals with the syndrome walk around or shake their legs to relieve the sensation.
- Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring may not look like a big deal. However, if you have this condition, then you might have issues in keeping your throat open while you sleep. The serious face of snoring is referred to as sleep apnea and it is a chronic condition that makes the affected individual to stop breathing frequently during sleep. The episodes last for about 10 seconds and may cause a drop in the individual’s oxygen levels, leading to sleep disruptions. Sleep apnea can be caused by the obstruction of the upper airway or by the brain’s failure to initiate breath. The condition can lead to the worsening of other medical conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes. It can also lead to serious medical issues like stroke, heart attack, and sudden death.
- Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia is the opposite of insomnia, meaning that people that have this condition sleep longer than normal. Despite sleeping for long hours, people with hypersomnia do not feel rested upon waking up. They usually have issues waking up in the morning and feel dizzy during the day. The excessive sleepiness in the day associated with this condition may also be a symptom of another condition such as sleep apnea. Nevertheless, hypersomnia is quite distinct from other sleep disorders because the sleepiness continues without environmental nighttime disturbance or cardiac rhythm problems.
- Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a kind of neurological disorder that affects an individual’s ability to control sleep. People suffering from this condition experience uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. They may also go through sudden sleep attacks, which may occur at any time and place. Individuals suffering from narcolepsy may experience sudden muscle weakness with intense emotions like laughter. Narcolepsy starts between ages 15 and 25, but this does not mean that it cannot manifest itself at any other age. At most times, narcolepsy is usually undiagnosed, meaning that the condition is not treated in many individuals.
About 70 million Americans suffer from different sleep disorders. Sleep disorders prevent an individual from getting enough sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and dysfunction. Some common sleep disorders experienced by people include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome. It is important to have a good understanding of these conditions because you can know the right thing to do in case you are suffering from one of the conditions. It is highly advised to seek immediate medical attention once you start experiencing some of the aforementioned symptoms of sleep disorders.