Sleep disturbances: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disturbances are conditions that change the way you sleep. This condition can affect your health, safety, and quality of life. Lack of sleep can affect your ability to drive safely and increase other health problems.

This disorder is also defined as a condition in which the quality of your sleep is continually decreasing. It's normal to have trouble falling asleep at some point in time, but it's not normal if you constantly have trouble falling asleep at night, wake up tired, or get sleepy on a regular basis.

What are the types of disorders?

There are many types of conditions that differ based on their cause or how they are affecting you. These disorders can also be categorized into behaviors, problems with sleep-wake cycles, breathing problems, difficulty sleeping or how sleepy you are during the day.

Here are some of the common types of sleep disorders:

Insomnia

This condition makes you unable to sleep or sleep well at night. Insomnia can be caused by stress, jet lag, other health conditions, the medications you take, or the number of cups of coffee you drink. It can also be caused by other sleep disorders or mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Whatever the cause of this condition, you should adjust your sleep patterns, improve your habits for the day, and learn to relax. According to the Help Guide, these methods can treat the disorder without a sleep specialist or medication.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes your breathing to temporarily stop while you sleep, and often wakes you up. If you have this condition, you may not remember waking up multiple times during sleep.

You tend to feel tired throughout the day, get irritable and stressed easily, or experience decreased productivity. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder and can be life threatening. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience this condition.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) or restless legs syndrome is a condition caused by an almost unbearable urge to move your legs or arms at night. The desire to move arises when you are resting or lying down.

The cause of this desire is usually discomfort, a tingling sensation, or pain. This condition can be treated with home remedies.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness that cannot be controlled in everyday life. This condition is caused by impaired brain function that regulates sleep and waking.

If you experience this disorder, you may experience "sleep attacks" when walking, working, or even driving. Although there is no known cure for narcolepsy, several treatments can help manage the symptoms.

Shift worker sleep disorders

This disorder occurs when your work schedule and biological time are out of sync. Shift work sometimes demands that you work when your body wants sleep and sleep when your body wants to wake up.

Some shift workers are more likely to have sleep quality problems than others who work during the day. If you have this, you may feel sleepy and lethargic while working. This can decrease your productivity and increase the chance of injury.

Jet lag

This condition is a temporary nuisance that occurs when you travel across time zones. Symptoms can include daytime sleepiness, fatigue, headaches, stomach problems, and insomnia. Longer flights tend to increase the likelihood of this condition occurring.

Delayed sleep phase disturbances

This condition occurs when your biological clock is significantly delayed. You will sleep and wake up late than most people. This condition is more than just waking up late, but when you have trouble keeping up with your normal biological clock.

How common is this condition?

This health condition is very common. This disorder can affect patients of all ages. This disease can be overcome by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of sleep disorders?

Depending on the type of disorder, many symptoms can be recognized. They are generally sleep walking, snoring, insomnia, restless legs syndrome , narcolepsy, and sleep apnea .

These symptoms include very drowsiness during the day and difficulty sleeping at night. Some people may fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving.

Another symptom may be difficulty breathing or being unable to restrain movement when you try to sleep. Sleep and wake cycles can be a symptom that appears when you experience this disorder.

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

When to go to the doctor

If you have signs or symptoms above, sleep is poor quality, or just want to ask questions, consult your doctor. You also need to contact your doctor when home treatments don't work, especially if you have any of the following:

• Your main problem is drowsiness during the day and home remedies do not relieve symptoms.
• You or your partner gasps, chokes, or stops breathing while sleeping.
• You fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as talking, walking, or eating.

It is smart to discuss with your doctor the most appropriate solution to your situation, as chronic sleep disorders can adversely affect your daily functioning as well as your mental and physical health.

Cause

What causes sleep disorders?

Sleep disturbances can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Physical disturbances (for example, pain from an ulcer)
• Medical problems (for example, asthma)
• Medicines (caffeine, antidepressants, stimulants, etc.)
• Psychiatric disorders (for example, depression and anxiety disorders)
• Environmental problems (for example, alcohol consumption)

Other factors that can interfere with sleep, include genetics, night shifts, medications, and age.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of sleep disorders?

There are many risk factors for sleep disorders, namely obesity, neck circumference, enlargement of the nose, mouth, or throat, bone deformities, consumption of alcohol or drugs, sleeping on your back and using a pillow, smoking, poor sleep habits, hormonal system disorders (endocrine).

Diagnosis

How do you diagnose sleep disorders?

The doctor will first perform a physical examination and gather information about symptoms and medical history. The doctor will also order various tests, namely:

• Polysomnography: a sleep study that assesses oxygen levels, body movements, and brain waves to determine how they interfere with sleep.
• Electroencephalogram: test assesses electrical activity in the brain and detects any potential problems associated with this activity.
• Genetic blood test: a blood test that is generally useful for diagnosing narcolepsy and other health conditions that may be causing sleep disorders.

Treatment

How to treat sleep disorders?

Depending on the type and cause of the sleep disorder, doctors may use different types of medication. However, in general, treatment includes a combination of medical care and lifestyle changes.

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can treat sleep disorders?

Since too many measurements determine sleep quality, there is nothing in particular you can do to improve it. However, a positive and energetic attitude will lead you to quality sleep.

Lifestyle and home remedies below may help treat the disorder:

• Improve your daily habits

Regardless of the disorder you're experiencing, you should stick to a consistent sleep schedule, get regular exercise, limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Regulating stress can also improve long-term sleep quality.

• Develop a relaxing bedtime routine

Engage in activities that prepare your body and mind for sleep. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool. Avoid foods that are too heavy and drink too much at night.

You can also take a warm bath, read, or listen to music before bed. In addition, you need to turn off your device at least one hour before going to bed.

• Go back to sleep when you wake up at night

Regardless of whether you have a sleep disorder or not, it is normal to wake up at night. If you have trouble getting back to sleep, try focusing on catching your breath, meditating, or engaging in relaxation techniques.

Make a note of whatever worries you and decide to put it off until the next day to make it easier to resolve.