Sleep disorders | Journey Inward

What are Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders involve conditions that disrupt the quality, timing and duration of sleep. This results in excessive daytime fatigue and impairments in work, school, mood, concentration and health. Sleep disorders affect people of all ages and have a variety of causes.

Common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome and circadian rhythm disorders. Treatment involves both medical and behavioural therapies to improve sleep issues and address any underlying conditions causing them.

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Types of sleep disorders

Some of the most prevalent sleep disorders include

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep. Chronic insomnia impairs [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]daytime function.[/expander_maker]

Sleep Apnea

Interruptions in breathing during sleep due to airway blockage. [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]Results in loud snoring and frequent awakening.[/expander_maker]

Narcolepsy

Excessive daytime sleepiness and falling asleep spontaneously, [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]often triggered by strong emotions.[/expander_maker]

Restless legs syndrome

Urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]Worsens at night and affects sleep.[/expander_maker]

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Misalignment between the[expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] internal body clock and external environment, disrupting the sleep-wake cycle. Examples are jet lag and shift work disorder.[/expander_maker]

Parasomnias

Abnormal movements, behaviours, emotions, perceptions and [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]dreams during sleep. Examples are sleepwalking, nightmares and sleep-eating.[/expander_maker]

Sleep-Related Movement Disorders

Muscle spasms or jerking of [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]limbs during sleep, like periodic limb movement disorder.[/expander_maker]

Treatments for sleep disorders

Treatments for sleep disorders aim to improve sleep quality and quantity through both medical and behavioural approaches. These include:

Sleep Hygiene Education

Recommendations on lifestyle habits that promote healthy [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]sleep, like bedroom environment, exercise and diet.[/expander_maker]

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Addresses thoughts or[expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] behaviours that interfere with sleep.[/expander_maker]

Light Therapy

Exposure to bright light at strategic times to [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]reset circadian rhythms.[/expander_maker]

Medications

Drugs that affect sleep-wake cycles, like sleep aids,[expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] stimulants and melatonin.
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Positive Airway Pressure

Uses devices like CPAP to keep airways open during sleep apnea.

Oral Devices

Mouth guards adjust jaw position to maintain airway patency.

Surgery

For structural problems causing airway obstruction or[expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] paralysis disorders affecting breathing. [/expander_maker]

Ongoing communication with doctors helps determine optimal, personalized treatment plans. Support groups can also help people better manage their sleep disorders. Getting sufficient sleep is vital for overall health and well-being.