Sleep disorders are conditions that affect sleep quality, time, or duration. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for long-term health and well-being. If you are experiencing trouble getting quality sleep, you may want to book a test with sleep disorders Bridgewater.
However, most sleep disorders are characterized by one or more of the following signs:
- Difficulty falling asleep/remaining asleep.
- Difficulty staying awake throughout the day.
- Imbalances in the circadian rhythm.
- Being prone to unusual actions or conduct that disrupt sleep, like teeth grinding, sleepwalking, or night terrors.
Some common types of sleep disorders are:
1. Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which the person affected finds it difficult to fall asleep and remain asleep. It generally is not because the person does not want to sleep or not having adequate time to sleep; it simply is impossible for them to do so.
Chronic insomnia is diagnosed when a person shows symptoms at least thrice a week. Up to two-thirds of adults experience some sort of insomnia. Insomnia is likely to appear with older age, lower socio-economic status, and anxiety or depression. Therapy, sleep aids, meditation, and lifestyle changes can help reduce or resolve insomnia.
2. Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder. People with the condition snore heavily and may wake up choking/gasping for air. Headaches, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue are some of the symptoms. Some known treatments are CPAP Therapy, Oral appliances, and in some cases, surgery.
3. Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes people feel very tired during the day despite getting enough sleep. This is caused by disruptions in the brain’s ability to adhere to circadian rhythm. This disorder is not cured but can be managed with medical and behavioral approaches.
4. Parasomnia
Parasomnia is a sleep disorder that can occur before, during, or in the transition between sleep and wakefulness. This includes sleepwalking, bed wetting, night terrors, and head exploding syndrome. Managing Parasomnia involves maintaining the safety of the sleeper and the partner and promoting healthy sleep.
5. Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
Individuals suffering from restless leg syndrome (RLS) may experience tingling or crawling sensations that create an overwhelming urge to move their legs, making it challenging to fall asleep. RLS has been linked with conditions such as pregnancy, Parkinson’s disease, and iron deficiency. However, the root cause of most cases remains unknown. Effective treatment options include dietary adjustments, exercise, medical devices, and medications.
