Almost all of us have had those sleepless nights which are normal and usually temporary due to stress and other factors. But if these sleepless nights are too often for you and interfere with your daily life, you might be suffering from a sleep disorder. Ignoring sleep problems and disorders can lead to poor health, weight gain, impaired job performance and many other factors. Therefore, if you want to stay healthy and perform up to your potential, sleep is a necessity.
Common sleep disorders
Insomnia
Insomnia is the habitual sleeplessness or inability to sleep. It is a persistent disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep or both, despite the opportunity for adequate sleep.
Circadian Rhythm
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are unable to go to sleep and awaken at the times commonly required.
Jet Lag
Also called jet lag disorder, it is a temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common and treatable sleep disorder in which your breathing temporarily stops during sleep due to the blockage of the upper airways.
Restless Leg 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.
Signs and Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms on a regular basis, you may be dealing with a sleep disorder:
- Feeling irritated or sleepy during the day
- having difficulty in staying awake while working
- difficulty concentrating
- reacting slowly
- feeling like you have to take a nap almost every day
- need caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going.
Self Help
Even if you find difficult to sleep or experience irregular sleeping patterns, you can still sleep better by tracking down your symptoms and making some necessary changes in your day time habits and bedtime routine.
Track down your sleeping pattern: Keeping a sleep diary will help you in identifying sleep disorders and pinpointing both day and night time habits.
Change your sleep hygiene and day time habits: a consistent sleep routine and improved sleep habits will turn into better sleep over the long term. Many sleep problems can be cured through simple lifestyle changes and improved sleep hygiene.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine or alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol promote dehydration, which worsens the sleeping pattern.
Make time for sleep. Most people need at least seven to eight hours each night in order to feel good and be productive.
Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet. Use heavy curtains or shades to block light from windows, or try a sleep mask to shield your eyes.
Turn off your TV, smart phone or computer a few hours before your sleeping time. The type of light these screens emit can stimulate your brain, suppress the production of melatonin, and interfere with your body’s internal clock.
If you discuss more about sleep disorders you can consult a doctor via video or telephone call at Medharbour.com
