Your Ultimate Guide to Sleep Disorders

Neurosciences | Posted on 01/02/2024 by Dr. Kapil Khandelwal

Introduction

Have you been experiencing snoring, difficulty sleeping, etc.? If yes, then it is an indication that you might have a sleep disorder. These days sleep disorders have become very common because of lifestyle changes. The constant use of technology and late night shifts have led to the development of the risk of growing sleep disorders in every age group. This condition is mostly seen among adults and children as well these days due to lifestyle alterations. Hence, it is vital to recognize the symptoms initially to consider medical attention immediately. If you suspect any of the symptoms related to sleep disorder, make sure to book an appointment with CK Birla Hospital in Jaipur at the earliest. You will find highly experienced and talented healthcare professionals. 

In this blog, we will discuss more about sleep disorders to offer you a proper understanding. However, kindly understand that it is for informational purposes only and we do not interfere with the doctor’s consultation. 

What are Sleep Disorders?

A sleep disorder is one of the common conditions affecting the regular sleep patterns. This condition leads to interrupting an individual’s efficiency to sleep regularly causing problems while trying to sleep, staging sleep, or curative sleep. Several causes contribute to the development of this condition including psychological, lifestyle, and medical. Sleep disorders have become very common affecting almost every age group. The frequency of sleep disorders depends on the particular type and the demographic attributes. If you suffer from this condition, there is no way you must delay the doctor’s consultation as it can impact your quality of life and might lead to something serious that you would never want. 

What are the types of Sleep Disorders? 

Here is the list of different types of sleep disorders:

• Insomnia: It involves problems while sleeping, staying asleep, or even both. 
• Sleep apnea: This is a condition in which an individual experiences repeated breathing interrupting the regular sleep patterns.
• Narcolepsy: It is a neurological disorder affecting sleep control and alertness causing uncontrollable sleep episodes throughout the day.
• Restless leg syndrome: It is determined by an uneasy impel to move the legs followed by awkward sensations. 
• Sleep-related eating disorder: This involves eating throughout the night, usually in an uncontrollable way that is related to other sleep disorders.

What are Sleep Disorder's symptoms?

Sleep disorder symptoms might vary from person to person. It is vital to consult the healthcare professional so that they can diagnose the condition according to the symptoms. For your better understanding, here are some of the common symptoms:

• Difficult sleeping
• Staying sleep
• Waking up repeatedly during the night
• Loud and noisy sleep 
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headache
• Feeling tired upon waking
• Unpleasant sensations in the leg
• Unusual behaviors or movements during sleep
• Gasping or shocking during the sleep 

What are the causes of Sleep Disorders?

There are several causes of sleep disorders that require diagnosis on time so that appropriate treatment can be considered. Here are some of the main causes: 

• A medical condition symptoms such as asthma, heart disease, or a nerve condition 
• Mental health conditions such as anxiety disorder or depression 
• Genetic factors or mutation 
• Medicines side-effect 
• Using substances daily such as alcohol or caffeine 
• Night shifts 
• Low levels of various minerals or chemicals in the brain 
• An unidentified cause 

What are the risk factors for Sleep Disorders?

If you have any of the following, then you are at the risk of developing sleep disorders:

• An unidentified underlying health condition 
• Experience regular and massive stress
• Always working late or night shifts 
• History of sleep disorders in the family

How are Sleep Disorders diagnosed?

To diagnose sleep disorders, the healthcare provider will initially begin by performing a physical evaluation test and obtain information related to the symptoms and clinical history. Once they identify the problem, here are the common tests usually ordered for sleep disorder diagnosis:

• Polysomnography: This test helps in assessing the levels of oxygen, body movements, and brain waves to identify how they are disturbing sleep patterns. It is one of the most commonly used tests to diagnose sleep disorders.
• Electroencephalogram: This test is used to evaluate the electrical activity of the brain and identify any probable issues linked to the sleep disorder. This test is a continuation of the polysomnography.
• Multiple sleep latency test: This is a daytime napping test used to identify the type of narcolepsy sleep disorder. 

What are the options for Sleep Disorder treatment?

Various options are available for sleep disorder treatment including:

• Modifying the sleep patterns to endorse a regular sleep schedule and the right sleep behaviors
• Making changes in medicines or dosages that cause daytime sleepiness. Make sure to consult your doctor and don’t stop the medications without consultation 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy 
• Medications such as sleeping pills (not without doctor’s consultation) or supplements such as melatonin 
• Involving the use of continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP or neurostimulator implanted as it helps in controlling sleep apnea. 
• Light therapy

Conclusion

In summary, it is vital to address sleep disorders to ensure overall well-being. You must make lifestyle changes and seek medical attention to enhance sleep quality with several strategies. You must understand the significance of quality sleep and execute effective methods to a healthier and more peaceful life. Always remember that prioritizing sleep health is important and should not be overlooked in any way. Make sure to work with your healthcare provider to have a good night sleep and wake up every morning refreshed and energetic.

Faqs

 

Which doctor to consult for a sleep disorder?

If you suspect sleep disorders, you can consult neurologists, psychologists, or pulmonologists. They are usually consulted when sleep health is concerned as they have special training in sleep medicine. 

Is sleeping too much a disorder?

Yes, sleeping too much is a sign of sleep disorders and is known as hypersomnia. People with this condition tend to sleep a lot even throughout the day. 

How do I know if I have a sleep disorder?

You must identify the symptoms of sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, problems while moving legs, waking up during the night, loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, etc.