SLEEP DISORDER

                                                                          SLEEP DISORDER

Sleep problems, including snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep deprivation, and restless legs syndrome, are common. Good sleep is necessary for optimal health and can affect hormone levels, mood and weight. A sleep disorder, or somnipathy, is a medical disorder of the sleep patterns of a person or animal. Some sleep disorders are serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental, social and emotional functioning. Polysomnography and actigraphy are tests commonly ordered for some sleep disorders.

Common Signs and symptoms of sleep disorders and sleeping problems

• Feel irritable or sleepy during the day
• Have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading
• Fall asleep or feel very tired while driving
• Have difficulty concentrating
• Often get told by others that you look tired
• React slowly
• Have trouble controlling your emotions
• Feel like you have to take a nap almost every day
• Require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going

Types of sleep disorder

Insomnia

Insomnia, the inability to get the amount of sleep you need to wake up feeling rested and refreshed, is the most common sleep complaint. Insomnia is often a symptom of another problem, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or an underlying health condition. It can also be caused by lifestyle choices, including the medications you take, lack of exercise, jet lag, or even the amount of coffee you drink.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which your breathing temporarily stops during sleep due to the blockage of the upper airways. These pauses in breathing interrupt your sleep, leading to many awakenings each hour. While most people with sleep apnea don’t remember these awakenings, they might feel exhausted during the day, irritable and depressed, or see a decrease in productivity.

Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that causes an almost irresistible urge to move your legs (or arms). The urge to move occurs when you’re resting or lying down and is usually due to uncomfortable, tingly, aching, or creeping sensations.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that involves excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. It is caused by a dysfunction of the brain mechanism that controls sleeping and waking. If you have narcolepsy, you may have “sleep attacks” while in the middle of talking, working, or even driving.

Management

Regardless of your sleep problems, a consistent sleep routine and improved sleep habits will translate into better sleep over the long term. You can address many common sleep problems through lifestyle changes and improved sleep hygiene. Try the following simple changes to your daytime and pre-bedtime routine:

• Keep a regular sleep schedule
• Set aside enough time for sleep. 
•  Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet. 
•  Turn off your TV, Smartphone , iPad, and computer    
• Consult a somnologist