A General Guide to Sleep Disorders

A sleep disorder can greatly affect one’s life. It can cause headaches, inability to focus, fatigue, stress and more. Some of the most common signs of a sleep disorder include difficulty falling asleep at night and difficulty waking up in the morning. Other signs may include frequent waking up throughout the night and constant fatigue throughout the day. Keep reading to find out more about the most common sleep disorders.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s airway is either partially or completely blocked. The blockage will unexpectedly interrupt breathing for a short time while the person is sleeping. This interruption can cause the person to wake up, even from a deep sleep. Sleep apnea can cause a person to feel groggy and unrested the next day. Sleep apnea can also increase the risk of a person developing high blood pressure. It may also be associated with increased risk of stroke or heart attack.

Insomnia

Insomnia can affect a person’s ability to fall and stay asleep. This results in tossing and turning, constant fatigue and stress. Insomnia may be caused by a variety of factors including depression, anxiety, jet lag, medical disorders, pain, medication or stress. Insomnia can become an issue if it affects a person’s daily life. It may need to be treated by a doctor if it continues for a long period of time.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive feelings of sleepiness throughout the day and night. These periods can cause the person to fall asleep no matter what they are doing. Narcolepsy is triggered by the brain and may be genetic. Narcolepsy can be embarrassing and cause anxiety.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome can cause a person to have uncomfortable sensations in their legs when they are trying to fall asleep. Due to the uncomfortable sensation, the sufferer will try to move their legs around to find relief from the sensation. Restless leg syndrome can make it difficult to fall asleep and can wake a person up from sleep. Most people who suffer from restless leg syndrome are middle-age adults and seniors.

Developing Healthy Sleep Habits

Developing a healthy sleep routine can help a person to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Sugar and caffeine can affect a person’s ability to fall asleep. A person should reduce the amount that is ingested before going to bed so that the body can get ready to sleep. Turning off all electronics including the TV and cellphone can help the brain to shut down and relax. Making sure that the room is dark and the right temperature can also create a relaxed environment for sleeping.

If you believe that you may be suffering from a sleep disorder you should make an appointment with your doctor. Keep a diary of your sleep habits including what time you wake up, reasons you are having difficulty sleeping, and what an average night of sleep looks like for you. Your doctor will provide you with a treatment plan to help you develop positive sleeping patterns.