Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the ability to sleep well on a regular basis, whether caused by a health problem or by too much stress. Depending on the type of sleep disorder, people may have a difficult time falling asleep and may feel extremely tired throughout the day. The lack of sleep can have a negative impact on energy, mood, concentration, and overall health.

In some cases, sleep disorders can be a symptom of another medical or mental health condition. These sleeping problems may eventually go away once treatment is obtained for the underlying cause. When sleep disorders aren’t caused by another condition, treatment normally involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes

Types Of Sleep Disorders

• Insomnia

Insomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep. It can be caused by jet lag, stress and anxiety, hormones, or digestive problems. It may also be a symptom of another condition. Insomnia can be very problematic for your overall health and quality of life, potentially causing:

*depression,

difficulty concentrating

irritability

weight gain

impaired work or school performance.

• Parasomnias

Parasomnias are a class of sleep disorders that cause abnormal movements and behaviors during sleep.

They include:

• sleepwalking
• sleep talking
• groaning nightmares
• bedwetting
• teeth grinding or jaw clenching

• Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This is a serious medical condition that causes the body to take in less oxygen. It can also cause you to wake up during the night.

• Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is characterized by “sleep attacks” that occur during the day. This means that you will suddenly feel extremely tired and fall asleep without warning. The disorder can also cause sleep paralysis, which may make you physically unable to move right after waking up. Although narcolepsy may occur on its own, it is also associated with certain neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.

• Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is an overwhelming need to move the legs. This urge is sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation in the legs. While these symptoms can occur during the day, they are most prevalent at night. RLS is often associated with certain health conditions, including ADHD and Parkinson’s disease, but the exact cause isn’t always known.

Symptoms of Sleep Disorders

Symptom varies depending on the type of sleep disorder, however, general symptoms of sleep disorders include:

*difficulty falling or staying asleep

*daytime fatigue

*strong urge to take naps during the day

*irritability or anxiety

*lack of concentration

*depression

Causes Of Sleep Disorders

Allergies and Respiratory Problems

Allergies, colds, and upper respiratory infections can make it challenging to breathe at night. The inability to breathe through your nose can also cause sleeping difficulties.

Nocturia

Nocturia, or frequent urination, may disrupt your sleep by causing you to wake up during the night. Hormonal imbalances and diseases of the urinary tract may contribute to the development of this condition. (Be sure to call your doctor right away if frequent urination is accompanied by bleeding or pain.)

Chronic Pain

Constant pain can make it difficult to fall asleep. It might even wake you up after you fall asleep.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety often have a negative impact on sleep quality. It can be difficult for you to fall asleep or to stay asleep. Nightmares, sleep talking, or sleepwalking may also disrupt your sleep.

How’s Sleep Disorder Diagnosed?

;History: individual’s history of Sleep disturbances, insomnia or any of the above type of sleep disorder will aid in the diagnosis of sleep disorder.

Polysomnography: a sleep study that evaluates oxygen levels, body movements, and brain waves to determine how they disrupt sleep

Electroencephalogram: a test that assesses electrical activity in the brain and detects any potential problems associated with this activity

Genetic blood testing: a blood test commonly used to diagnose narcolepsy and other underlying health conditions that might be causing sleeping problems.

How Can Sleep Disorders Be Treated?

Treatment of sleep disorders depend on the type and the causes, but it generally includes the medical treatment and lifestyle changes.

•Medical Treatments

• Medical treatment for sleep disturbances might include any of the following:
• treating the underlying medical condition
• sleeping pills
• melatonin supplements
• allergy or cold medication
• breathing device or surgery (usually for sleep apnea)
• A dental guard (usually for teeth grinding)

•Lifestyle Changes

Adjustment in sleeping habits and sleeping time

Incorporating more vegetables and fish into your diet, and reducing sugar intake

Reducing stress and anxiety by exercising

Creating and sticking to a regular sleeping schedule

Drinking less water before bedtime

limiting your caffeine intake, especially in the late afternoon or evening

Decreasing tobacco and alcohol use

Eating low carbohydrate meals before bedtime