Ever toss and turn all night or feel constantly drained despite getting enough sleep? These could be signs of a sleep disorder—a condition that disrupts your ability to get a good night’s rest. Fortunately, with early consultation with a sleep specialist and proper diagnosis and treatment, you can reclaim a healthy sleep pattern.
Common Sleep Disorders
Insomnia
This is the most common sleep disorder that is distinguished by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia can be caused by anxiety, stress, medical conditions, or poor sleep hygiene (habits).
Sleep Apnea
This condition causes temporary pauses in breathing during sleep, which often lead to frequent awakenings and daytime fatigue. Sleep apnea can be obstructive (caused by a blocked airway) or central (caused by the brain not sending signals to breathe).
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
This neurological disorder creates an strong urge to move your legs, especially at night. The constant movement disrupts sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and irritability.
Spotting the Signs
Each sleep disorder manifests through unique symptoms. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Insomnia: Taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, waking up frequently during the night, waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep, feeling tired and irritable despite getting enough sleep.
- Sleep Apnea: Loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating.
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS): An irresistible urge to move your legs, especially at night, worsening of symptoms at rest, temporary relief of symptoms with movement.
Treatments for Sleep Disorders
Consult a sleep specialist or sleep doctor if you suspect a sleep disorder. Sleep specialists conduct a sleep study to diagnose the specific issue and recommend treatment options. These can include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Establishing good sleep hygiene practices like a regular sleep schedule, relaxing bedtime routines, and creating a sleep-conducive environment.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps address underlying anxieties and negative thoughts that contribute to sleep problems, especially for insomnia.
- CPAP Machine: For sleep apnea, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine keeps your upper airway passages open during sleep by releasing pressurized air through a mask.
- Medications: In certain cases, sleep doctors may prescribe medications to help with sleep initiation or maintenance or to manage RLS symptoms.
Wrap Up
Understanding sleep disorders empowers you to take charge of your sleep health. By recognizing symptoms and seeking professional help through NowServing PH, you can unlock the door to restful nights and rejuvenated days.
