Do You Struggle to Sleep? Let's Dive into Sleep Disorders Together

Sleep disorders, also known as sleep-wake disorders, are problems related to the quality, timing, and amount of sleep. These issues can cause distress during the day and interfere with daily functioning. Sleep disorders often coexist with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety or physical health problems.

Why Sleep Matters?

Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. There are two main types of sleep

• Rapid Eye Movement (REM)

• Non-REM

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night, but many don’t get enough. Poor sleep quality can lead to fatigue, irritability, trouble focusing, and worsen mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. It’s also linked to chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Types of Sleep Disorders :

There are many types of sleep disorders, let us look at the most common ones

1.Insomnia

The most common sleep disorder, insomnia involves difficulty falling or staying asleep.

It affects about one-third of adults, with 4-22% meeting the criteria for insomnia disorder. Insomnia can occur at any age but is more common in young adults and older adults.

• Difficulty sleeping at least three nights a week for three months or more.

• The sleep problems cause significant distress or issues with daily functioning.

• Insomnia can be episodic (lasting 1-3 months), persistent (over 3 months), or recurrent (multiple episodes in a year).

2.Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that disrupts breathing at night. People with this condition often snore heavily and may wake up choking or gasping for air. There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when tissues in the mouth and throat relax, frequently blocking the upper airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing.

• Obstructive sleep apnea affects a lot of people, but many cases go undiagnosed.

• People with sleep apnea often experience daytime sleepiness and fatigue, as well as morning headaches and dry mouth.

• Treatment options for sleep apnea include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and, in some cases, surgery.

  
  

3.Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes people feel excessively tired during the day despite getting an adequate amount of sleep. This can lead to an irrepressible urge to sleep, culminating in “sleep attacks” that typically last for a few minutes. These sleep attacks and other symptoms of narcolepsy are caused by disruptions in the brain’s ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

• Sleep attacks can be accompanied by cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone that causes people to slump over as they nod off.

• People with narcolepsy are at a high risk for accident or injury, but treatment with medication and lifestyle changes can help.

4.Restless Leg Syndrome

People with restless leg syndrome (RLS) experience tingling or crawling sensations that create an irresistible urge to move their legs. The sensations and urge to move tend to get worse when sitting or lying down, making it difficult to sleep. RLS is linked with pregnancy, Parkinson’s disease, iron deficiency, and other factors, but the cause of most RLS cases is unknown. 

• Up to 15% of people have RLS, but only around 2% to 3% experience significant symptoms.

• RLS symptoms are not only triggered by rest, they may also worsen with caffeine intake and use of certain medications. 

• Healthy sleep habits, dietary changes, exercise, medical devices, and medications are effective treatment strategies for RLS.

  
  

5.Parasomnias

Parasomnias are a group of unusual sleep behaviors that can occur before falling asleep, during sleep, or in the transition between sleep and wakefulness. Parasomnias are most common in children, but they affect adults as well. They include sleepwalking, bedwetting, night terrors, and more unique ones like exploding head syndrome. 

• Parasomnias occur in up to 20% of children.

• Parasomnias are categorized based on when in a person’s sleep cycle they arise. 

• Managing parasomnias typically involves maintaining the safety of the sleeper and any bed partners and promoting sufficient healthy sleep.

6.Excessive Sleepiness

It is normal to feel sleepy after a night of sleep loss. But excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a medical term that describes extreme grogginess occurring almost every day for at least three months. EDS makes it difficult or impossible to stay awake during the day. A wide range of medical and psychological conditions can lead to EDS, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, hypothyroidism, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. 

• EDS is believed to occur in up to 25% of the population.

• EDS is not a sleep disorder itself but rather a symptom of many sleep disorders and other health conditions. 

• To determine the cause of EDS, a doctor may recommend a sleep study or other tests.

7.Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Diagnosis may involve a sleep history, physical exam, sleep diary, and possibly a sleep study.

• Treatment typically includes sleep medications and behavioral techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

• Sleep hygiene practices, such as sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding naps, and creating a comfortable sleep environment, can help improve sleep.

In summary, sleep disorders are common and can significantly impact daily life. Proper sleep hygiene, treatment, and addressing underlying conditions can help manage sleep issues and improve overall well-being.