All About Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders affect at least 40 million Americans according to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research. There are more than 60 different types of sleep disorders including different forms of insomnia, leg cramps, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea. These sleep disorders prevent quality sleep and affect your overall quality of life.
A person with a sleep disorder will experience irritability and sleepiness during the day. They will have problems staying awake and alert and may need caffeine to stay awake during the day.
Sleep disorders can be caused by physical, medical, psychiatric and environmental issues. They can be caused by ulcers or other physical pain. Asthma or other breathing issues can keep a person away. Depression, anxiety and stress can cause sleep disorders. Alcohol and drug abuse can be the trigger for a sleep disorder. Other causes for sleep disorders can be genetics, nigh shift work, medications and aging.
There are as many treatments for sleep disorders, and the proper treatment depends on the cause. For many people, the first step to treating a sleep disorder is to alter behaviors that might prevent a good night's sleep, including setting a bedtime schedule, not napping during the day, meditation before bedtime and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
Some forms of sleep disorders are potentially life-threatening. The most life-threatening sleep disorders are sleep apnea and narcolepsy. People with sleep apnea stop breathing during sleep. Narcolepsy may be dangerous if it occurs while driving or operating machinery.
Sleep disorders cause excess tiredness during the day which can affect your work and family life. In addition, "there is a definite link between lack of sleep and depression. In fact, one of the major signs of depression is insomnia or an inability to sleep," according to Web MD.
A sleep study will help to make you aware of how serious your sleep disorder may or may not be. Sleep studies help with the diagnosis of breathing disorders such as sleep apnea, sleep related seizure disorders and narcolepsy.
A person with a sleep disorder will experience irritability and sleepiness during the day. They will have problems staying awake and alert and may need caffeine to stay awake during the day.
Sleep disorders can be caused by physical, medical, psychiatric and environmental issues. They can be caused by ulcers or other physical pain. Asthma or other breathing issues can keep a person away. Depression, anxiety and stress can cause sleep disorders. Alcohol and drug abuse can be the trigger for a sleep disorder. Other causes for sleep disorders can be genetics, nigh shift work, medications and aging.
There are as many treatments for sleep disorders, and the proper treatment depends on the cause. For many people, the first step to treating a sleep disorder is to alter behaviors that might prevent a good night's sleep, including setting a bedtime schedule, not napping during the day, meditation before bedtime and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
Some forms of sleep disorders are potentially life-threatening. The most life-threatening sleep disorders are sleep apnea and narcolepsy. People with sleep apnea stop breathing during sleep. Narcolepsy may be dangerous if it occurs while driving or operating machinery.
Sleep disorders cause excess tiredness during the day which can affect your work and family life. In addition, "there is a definite link between lack of sleep and depression. In fact, one of the major signs of depression is insomnia or an inability to sleep," according to Web MD.
A sleep study will help to make you aware of how serious your sleep disorder may or may not be. Sleep studies help with the diagnosis of breathing disorders such as sleep apnea, sleep related seizure disorders and narcolepsy.
Published by A. Hermitt
Andrea Hermitt is an artist by nature and an educator by necessity. As a homeschooling mom of 10 years, she stays current in all things educational, and cutting edge to help her homeschool her children, and... View profile
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