A sleep disorder is any condition that compromises the quantity, quality, or timing of your sleep. It is normal to experience sleep disruptions occasionally caused by everyday factors like stress. But, if you fail to get restful sleep for weeks or months, you may have an undiagnosed sleep disorder.
In addition to leaving you tired, sleep disorders Bridgewater can increase your risk of other conditions. They can also signal an underlying mental health problem. Understanding the different types of sleep disorders can help you seek help early and restore your rest and health.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is actually a breathing disorder that also affects sleep. Patients with sleep apnea experience disrupted breathing at night and may wake up gasping for air several times during the night. Because they do not sleep restfully, they may also experience daytime fatigue and sleepiness.
Sleep apnea can be obstructive or central. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the unexpected relaxation of the throat and mouth tissues, which blocks the upper airways. On the other hand, central sleep apnea involves a glitch in the brain signals that help the related muscles control breathing.
Insomnia
Insomnia is what most people think about when they imagine a sleep disorder. This condition is characterized by difficulties falling or remaining asleep. Since people with insomnia rarely get enough sleep, they also experience daytime fatigue, sleepiness, and functioning difficulties.
Your doctor may diagnose you with insomnia if you experience these symptoms at least thrice a week for three months.
Restless Legs Syndrome
RLS is a sleep disorder in which the patient experiences crawling or tingling sensations in the leg when they lay down to rest. The sensations create an irresistible urge to move your legs, giving rise to the name. Also, they tend to worsen when you low down or sit and can make sleep impossible.
While the cause of RLS remains unknown, the condition is linked to factors like iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, and pregnancy.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder in which patients experience extreme tiredness during the day despite resting adequately at night. Many people with narcolepsy feel an irrepressible urge to sleep at odd times. When this happens, they experience sleep attacks that usually last a few minutes.
Sleep attacks can often be accompanied by cataplexy. This refers to a sudden loss of muscle tone that occurs when you fall asleep and is why you nod off or slump over. Because they are unpredictable, these symptoms put people with narcolepsy at high risk for accidents or injury.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias refer to a group of unusual behaviors that occur before, during, or in the transition between sleep and wakefulness. These conditions are common in children but can occur in adults too. In children, they occur at a 20 percent frequency rate.
Common parasomnias include night terrors, bedwetting, sleepwalking, sleep talking, and sleep sex. The goal of treatment is to keep the sleeper and any bed partners safe during parasomnias.
Discuss Poor Sleep Quality with an Expert
The best way to determine whether you have a sleep disorder is to have a loved one monitor you when you sleep. You can also track your symptoms in the morning over several days. If you cannot seem to fall asleep at night or always feel tired during the day, you may need to see a specialist.
A sleep disorder specialist will first determine the cause of your sleep problems. Once they have a diagnosis, you can work together to create an effective treatment plan. To begin this process, call a provider near you today and schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
