Sleep is supposed to be our body’s natural reset, but what happens if it doesn’t work the way it should? Millions of people face sleep issues that go beyond a bad night’s sleep. These problems can affect your health, mood, memory, and even your heart.
But what is it exactly? By knowing the five common sleep disorders, you will be able to identify the one you’ve been dealing with and the best way to overcome it.
Let’s explore these.
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Insomnia
In simple terms, trouble sleeping is directly tied to Insomnia. Occasional episodes of insomnia are quite prevalent, with over 30% of adults experiencing them. However, only 10% of the population is actually diagnosed with an insomnia disorder that disrupts their life.
If you’re tossing and turning while you try to sleep, even after a hectic day, it’s generally considered insomnia. Even waking up tired is a sign that something is wrong with your sleep quality.
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Sleep Apnea
Having trouble breathing repeatedly throughout the night is a major red flag for Sleep apnea. When the pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles (located in the throat) relax, they occupy much of the space, preventing air from passing through.
One of the significant signs of this condition is gasping for air. This feels like someone is trying to choke you and cause problems as well. Without proper treatment, the affected individuals could develop high blood pressure, heart-related diseases, and more.
Many people manage this condition with a CPAP machine, but with advancements, sleep apnea surgery is usually recommended when other treatments fail.
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Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
The constant and uncontrollable urge to move your legs at night is considered RLS. It is related to the hard-wiring issues of the brain that make it very hard to get comfortable.
Some signs that indicate RLS include tingling, crawling, itching, relief only by moving legs, and disrupted sleep. This isn’t a simple condition, as patients might fall asleep during the day and have a poor recovery.
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Circadian Rhythm Disorder
Your body has an internal clock (Circadian Rhythm) that tells you when to sleep and wake up. This varies for each individual based on their daily routine. This means, if for some reason, you couldn’t sleep at your specified time, it can throw everything out of balance.
Struggling with this disorder includes trouble sleeping, feeling wide awake, and fatigue during the day. It’s fine to go through it once or twice. However, chronic disruption of your sleep-wake cycle increases the risk of depression, weight gain, and other long-term health issues.
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Parasomnias
Parasomnias are unusual behaviors during sleep, including:
- Sleepwalking
- Night terrors
- Talking or yelling in sleep
- Acting out dreams (REM Sleep Behavior Disorder)
The person going through it won’t remember what’s happening the next morning. But the people around him/her would be disturbed. Sleepwalking and sleep paralysis are two common examples of this condition.
Summing Up
If you consistently wake up tired, snore loudly, or feel like something is “off” with your sleep, it might be more than just stress or a bad mattress.
Most of these disorders are manageable if caught early through therapy, medication, and other techniques. If you’re experiencing any issues, don’t ignore the signs and consult a healthcare professional.