5 Sleep Disorders that Can Deprive You of Quality Sleep
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Do you struggle with sleep because you can’t fall asleep at night? Did someone tell you that you’ve exhibited a strange behavior during sleep? Have you ever found yourself wakeful in bed all night long? If so, it’s very likely that you have a sleep disorders.
It’s estimated that about 90 million Americans are suffering from a sleep disorders. These people experience a variety of disorders during sleep. They range from ordinary insomnia to very rare conditions like REM sleep behavior disorder. In fact, there are more than 70 recognized disorders that occur during sleep.
Below, you can find out about 5 most common sleep disorders.
1. Insomnia
Insomnia affects about 20% of Americans. Many of us have experienced some symptoms typical for this sleep disorder. Difficulty falling asleep and the impossibility to maintain sleep at night. Waking earlier in the morning, lack of energy, and excessive daytime sleepiness. These are some of the symptoms that may indicate to insomnia. Yet, it happens occasionally in most people.
What are the causes? Stress, anxiety, some medications, drugs, and alcohol can trigger this disorder. How to treat it? Sleeping pills and cognitive behavioral therapy are the common treatments.
2. Sleep Apnea
About 15% of adults suffer from some form of apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects about 20 million Americans. The vast majority of these people are not aware of having this problem. This disorder happens due to a partial or complete blockage of the airways. The blockage in the upper airways can stop breathing for a few seconds during sleep. This is typical for patients suffering from OSA. Apnea is also characterized by morning headaches and daytime sleepiness.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. It involves a machine that keeps the throat open by means of a steady airway pressure.
3. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
About 10% of adults suffer from RLS. This disorder is more common in women, especially pregnant women. Restless Leg Syndrome is an urge to move legs and limbs while sleeping. It usually occurs during periods of rest and in the evening. The treatment usually includes the certain exercises on a regular basis. Lifestyle changes, such as reduction in alcohol and caffeine, can also be helpful. Medications are obligatory for severe cases, though.
4. Narcolepsy
This neurological disorder presents the inability of the brain to control sleep cycle. Only one in 2,000 people have this disorder in the United States. People suffering from narcolepsy fall asleep all of a sudden when they don’t expect it at all. Unfortunately, these sleep attacks usually happen at an inopportune moment. It can happen in the middle of a conversation, during work hours, while eating, and so on. Most dangerously, it can occur while driving!
Narcolepsy symptoms can include:
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
- Sleep Paralysis
- Disturbed nocturnal sleep
- Cataplexy
- Hallucinations
Narcolepsy is treated with medication in most patients.
5. Snoring
Snoring affects about 100 million people in the United States. How does snoring happen? It occurs due to the relaxation of muscles in the throat, tongue, and the soft palate. When relaxed, these structures can partially block airways. The narrowing of airway triggers vibration of the certain tissues, which causes noise. There are a lot of self-help and medical treatments for snoring. Besides, many people solve this problem with help of an anti-snoring device. You can shop online such a device there’s a wide range of anti-snoring devices to choose from.
Don’t treat these disorders on your own. Your best choice is to talk with your doctor if you doubt that you have a sleep disorder. Discuss your symptoms and what you are experiencing during sleep. Undergo a sleep study if your doctor suggests that. It will help your doctor find out what causes your sleep problem and give you an appropriate treatment
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