Sleep Disorders: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Daytime sleepiness and other symptoms may occur from sleep disorders, which affect your sleep quality or prevent you from receiving enough restorative sleep. Everybody occasionally struggles with sleep issues. However, the following may indicate a sleep disorder:

• You frequently have trouble falling asleep.
• Even though you slept for at least seven hours the night before, you are frequently exhausted during the day.
• Your capacity to carry out typical daytime activities has been diminished or impeded.
• Lack of sleep can negatively affect academic and professional performance, interpersonal interactions, health, and safety.

The development of diabetes and heart disease, as well as your safety and relationships, can all be negatively impacted by common sleep disorders like insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea. These conditions can also impair your thinking and negatively impact your mental and physical health and weight. In addition, your quality of life may suffer from inadequate sleep.

How Much Rest Is Required?

Although some people need more sleep than others, experts generally advise adults to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

Adults (ages 18-54) reported sleeping an average of 6.4 hours per night on weekdays and 7.7 hours per night on weekends in a recent National Sleep Foundation. The survey revealed a decline in sleep duration during the previous few years. People who get less sleep frequently utilise the internet or bring work from the workplace home at night.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, older persons (aged 55 to 84) sleep an average of 7.1 hours on the weekends and 7.4 hours during the week. In older persons, the desire to use the restroom and physical pain or discomfort is the most frequent sleep disturbances.

The sleep patterns are declining. Age influences how much sleep is ideal. In a Sleep in America survey, children’s real sleep time was 1.5 to 2 hours less than suggested. Caffeine usage and televisions in their bedrooms lost an additional two hours per week.

What Signs or Symptoms Indicate a Sleep Disorder?

There are various symptoms depending on the type and degree of the sleeping issue. They might differ if another ailment is the cause of the sleep disturbance.

But common signs of sleep problems include:

• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
• Daytime drowsiness
• Strong desire  to nap throughout the day, strange breathing patterns
• Odd movements or other experiences when sleeping, including abnormal or uncomfortable urges to move
• Unintended alterations to your sleep and wake times
• Irritation, anxiety, poor work performance, lack of focus, and depression
• Gaining weight

What Leads to Sleeping Problems?

Sleep disruptions can be brought on by various illnesses, diseases, and disorders. Sleep difficulties frequently originate from an underlying medical condition.

Allergies and Breathing Issues

Breathing at night might be difficult due to upper respiratory infections, allergies, and colds. Another factor that may interfere with your ability to sleep is nasal breathing problems.

Urinating often

You may wake up in the middle of the night due to nocturia, which is frequent urination. This syndrome may result from hormonal imbalances and urinary tract conditions.

If bleeding or pain is experienced while frequently urinating, make sure to contact your doctor straight away.

Chronic Pain

Sleeping can be challenging if you’re in pain all the time. You might even wake up as a result of it. The following are a few of the most typical causes of chronic pain:

• Chronic tiredness syndrome and arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Inflammation of the colon
• Chronic headaches
• Ongoing lower back discomfort

In other circumstances, sleep problems may even make chronic pain worse. For instance, medical professionals think that sleep issues may be connected to the onset of fibromyalgia.

Anxiety and Stress

Sleep quality is frequently harmed by stress and anxiety. As a result, you could find it challenging to get to sleep or stay asleep. Your sleep may also be disturbed by nightmares, sleep-talking, or sleepwalking.

How are Sleeping Problems Identified?

Before starting a physical examination, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical background. They might also request several tests, such as:

In contrast to a home sleep study (HST), which is carried out by the patient and is used to detect sleep apnea, polysomnography (PSG) is a laboratory sleep study that measures oxygen levels, body movements, and brain waves to identify how they interrupt sleep.

Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test evaluates the brain’s electrical activity and looks for any potential issues that might be connected. Polysomnography includes it.

Multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT): This research on daytime naps employs a PSG at night to identify narcolepsy.

When choosing the best course of treatment for sleep disorders, these tests might be quite substantial.

What Categories of Sleep Problems Exist?

The many types of sleep problems are numerous. In addition, underlying medical issues might bring some on.

Insomnia

The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep is referred to as insomnia. Jet lag, stress and anxiety, hormones, or digestive issues are some of the possible causes. However, it might also be a sign of another ailment.

Your whole health and quality of life may suffer from insomnia, which may lead to the following:

Depression, Trouble Focusing, Agitation

The effects of weight growth on work or academic performance. The illness is more common in women and older people.

Typically, insomnia is divided into one of three categories:

• Chronic insomnia occurs when it frequently occurs for at least a month.
• Intermittent, recurring episodes of insomnia
• It is temporary when insomnia only persists for a few nights at a time.

Sleep Apnea

Breathing pauses while sleeping is a defining feature of sleep apnea. The body absorbs less oxygen as a result of this significant medical issue. You might wake up in the middle of the night as a result.

The two are as follows:

• The condition is known as obstructive sleep apnea, in which the airway becomes blocked or too small, and
• Central sleep apnea disrupts the brain’s communication with the muscles that control breathing.

Parasomnias

A group of sleep disorders known as parasomnias induce strange movements and actions while you sleep. They consist of the following:

• Sleeptalking and sleepwalking
• Groaning
• Nightmares
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching in bed

Narcolepsy

“Sleep attacks” that happen when a person is awake are a hallmark of narcolepsy. This means that you will unexpectedly become drowsy and feel exceedingly exhausted.

The condition can potentially result in sleep paralysis, leaving you physically immobile as soon as you wake up. Narcolepsy can arise independently, but it’s frequently linked to other neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.

REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD)

REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is when a person physically and/or vocally acts out their dreams while sleeping during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage. While resting, they are entirely unaware of their actions. RBD is a parasomnia, a sleep disorder characterised by unusual and unpleasant physical events or experiences that interfere with sleep.

REM sleep is characterised by vivid dreams. Every night, they have several REM cycles. The first REM cycle lasts about 10 minutes and begins about 90 minutes after they fall asleep. Each subsequent REM cycle increases in duration. 

What is the Best Treatment for Sleeping Disorders?

Follow a sleep schedule. Even on weekends, try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time.

• Exercise regularly.
• Examine your prescriptions.
• Limit or avoid taking naps.
• Avoid or restrict your intake of coffee, alcohol, and nicotine.
• Don’t put up with pain.
• Pre-bedtime drinks and heavy meals should be avoided.

When to See a Doctor

Occasional sleep disturbances are common, but persistent issues may signal an underlying sleep disorder that requires professional evaluation. If you consistently experience trouble sleeping through the night or wake up feeling unrested, it’s wise to speak with a healthcare professional. Daytime fatigue that interferes with work, relationships, or daily activities can also be a warning sign.

You should seek medical attention if you:

• Experience frequent sleep disruptions or insomnia lasting more than a few weeks.
• Wake up feeling unrefreshed despite adequate hours of sleep.
• Find yourself dozing off during activities like driving, reading, or watching TV.
• Persistent loud snoring or sudden gasping for breath while sleeping may suggest the presence of sleep apnea.
• Have sudden or uncontrollable urges to sleep during the day.
• Display unusual movements or behaviors while asleep, such as sleepwalking or acting out dreams.
• Depend on sleep aids or stimulants to manage your sleep-wake cycle regularly.

Sharing your symptoms with a medical provider is the initial step toward a correct diagnosis and a personalized approach to treatment. Getting help early on can reduce health risks and lead to a better, more balanced quality of life. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation or a sleep study.

Frequently Asked Questions