What Is A Sleep Disorder?

If you’re wondering what a sleep disorder is, you are not alone. Sleep-related difficulties affect many people and can cause a range of physical and emotional problems. There are several major types of sleep disorders, and you should consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing one. These disorders can affect the quality of your sleep and cause you to be less alert during the day. The following list outlines the most common sleep-related problems and how they can be treated.

Insomnia is a common problem, affecting 7% of Americans. In a 2001 survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 14% of Americans experienced drowsiness at least once a week. The problem is not just annoying, though. It can have serious health consequences, as 1% of respondents reported being involved in an accident while drowsy. Despite the high prevalence of sleep disorders, many people don’t consult their doctor about their problems. 

Symptoms Of Sleep Disorders

Getting enough sleep is important, but not everyone experiences the same quality of sleep. Symptoms of sleep disorders can be short-term or chronic, but often the cause is unknown. Symptoms of sleep disorders can be categorized according to their severity, including short-term or transient insomnia. Insomnia can also be caused by illness, emotional upset, or stress. If an obvious cause cannot be found, treatment can be as simple as a change in sleeping habits. Other more complicated sleep disorders may require complex treatments. Narcolepsy is characterized by daytime sleep attacks, lack of energy, and sleep-related hallucinations. Treatment for narcolepsy is usually a combination of lifestyle and prescription medication.

Sleep Terror

Sleep terrors are more common among children but can be frightening for the sufferer and cause them to feel dreadful at night. Often, the disorder can cause significant distress and can even result in physical injury or even social isolation. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between these types of parasomnias. To determine if the disorder is the culprit, a PSG with an EEG is necessary.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes irrepressible urges to sleep for extended periods. Patients who have this disorder are unable to function normally during the day. This condition may be a symptom of a broader medical issue. People with this disorder also often experience excessive daytime sleepiness or hypersomnolence. In some cases, hypersomnia can result in involuntary lapses of sleep that may put them at risk for accidents.

Drowsiness

Some of the symptoms of sleep disorders include drowsiness or difficulty falling asleep during the day, frequent waking up, and snoring. Symptoms can range from simple annoyances like sleepiness to severe mental health issues. People with a sleep disorder are likely to experience cognitive impairment and personality changes. In addition, they can have trouble making decisions, poor performance, or slow reaction times. In addition to the physical effects, sleep loss can contribute to several conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

What Are The Causes Of Sleep Disorders?

It is a well-known fact that nearly half of all adults suffer from some type of sleep disorder. These disorders are caused by age-related changes in sleep patterns and the medicines older adults take, like certain painkillers. For some people, sleep disorders can affect performance at school or work and make them feel irritable. Others suffer from transient sleep disturbances or short bursts of insomnia caused by temporary disruptions to a child’s routine.

Chronic Insomnia

Insomnia is divided into two different categories: primary and secondary. Primary sleep disorders are not caused by other mental illnesses, substance abuse, or medical conditions. Chronic insomnia is the result of a long-term disorder, such as depression or chronic stress. It can also be caused by pain during the night. In either case, a conditioned emotional response, such as thoughts about or behaviors associated with the sleep disorder, can prolong symptoms of insomnia.

Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is another sleep disorder that affects waking hours. People with this condition tend to sleep for long periods and are often tired and sleepy during the day. They may be irritable, moody, or have trouble concentrating, making them prone to accidents. For many, a lack of sleep is a huge problem and a major cause of frustration in their lives. 

Age

Besides genetics, age is another cause of sleep disorders. The hormones in their bodies can become imbalanced, affecting their sleep patterns. Even shift workers are prone to insomnia due to their irregular schedules. Shift work can also cause their internal body clock to reset. The internal body clock controls when hormones are produced and when they should be exposed to light or darkness.

Child’s Dreaming

Another cause of sleep disorders is a child’s dreaming. Nightmares are scary and repetitively awaken children. This is known as parasomnia. The rates vary, but it is estimated that 10 to 50 percent of children between the ages of three and five years old will suffer from nightmares. They will be fully alert during the nightmares and fear going back to sleep. In addition, children with these disorders are more likely to have nightmares than males.

In Conclusion

While there are medications for these disorders, it is often not enough to cure the underlying causes of sleep problems. Sometimes, lifestyle changes are all that is required to improve the quality of sleep. In some cases, medications can worsen sleep issues. Other causes of sleep disorders include physical conditions, external stress, or traumatic events in one’s life. For those suffering from insomnia, however, behavioural treatments can help you get more restful nights.