Sleep Disorders : Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Sleep disorders are conditions that cause changes in how you sleep.

A sleep disturbance can have a negative impact on your general health, safety, and quality of life. Sleep deprivation can impair your driving abilities and increase your risk of numerous health concerns.

Excessive daytime sleepiness, uneven breathing, or increased activity during sleep are some of the indications and symptoms of sleep disorders. An inconsistent sleep and waking cycle, as well as difficulties falling asleep, are further signs and symptoms.

There are numerous sorts of sleep problems. They are frequently classified into categories that explain why they occur or how they affect you. Sleep disorders can also be classified based on behaviours, disturbances in your natural sleep-wake cycles, respiratory issues, difficulties sleeping, or how sleepy you feel during the day.

The following are some examples of common sleep disorders:

Insomnia is characterised by trouble falling or remaining asleep during the night.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which you have irregular breathing patterns while sleeping. Sleep apnea can be classified into numerous categories.

RLS (restless legs syndrome) is a sleep movement disorder. Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom illness, is characterised by an unpleasant sensation and an urge to move the legs when attempting to sleep.

Narcolepsy is a condition characterised by excessive tiredness during the day and falling asleep unexpectedly.

There are numerous methods for diagnosing sleep problems. When most sleep disorders are appropriately recognised, doctors can typically treat them efficiently.

Symptoms of Sleep Disorder

Sleep problems are characterised by excessive sleepiness throughout the day and difficulty falling asleep at night. Some people may doze off at inconvenient moments, such as while driving. Other symptoms include breathing in an irregular way or having an uneasy urge to move while trying to sleep. It is also possible to have unusual or irritating emotions or feelings when sleeping. Another indication of sleep disturbances is an inconsistent sleep-wake cycle.

Apnea (sleep deprivation)

Sleep apnea is a frequent sleep-related breathing problem caused by an obstruction of the upper airway. People suffering from this illness frequently wake up coughing or gasping for air. Another typical symptom is snoring. Sleep apnea, like other sleep disorders, can induce excessive daytime sleepiness and exhaustion, as well as a variety of cognitive deficits. The majority of sleep apnea cases fall into one of two groups. 

A physical impediment that restricts the upper airway causes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Large tonsils or adenoids, fluid buildup from severe heart or kidney failure, or genetic abnormalities that impair face anatomy, such as cleft palate, may all contribute to this obstruction.

Obese people with fat deposits around their neck are also more likely to suffer from OSA, and back sleeping can result in apnea episodes if the tongue slides back into the throat. Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most effective treatment for many patients.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain ceases transmitting signals to the muscles that govern breathing, resulting in nighttime choking. Obesity, like OSA, is a common risk factor for CSA.

People who have had a stroke, a brain infection, or other medical problems with the brain stem, as well as those who take narcotic painkillers and other sleep-inducing medicines, may be affected by this disorder. Although CPAP therapy is commonly administered for CSA, some patients find bilevel-positive air pressure (BiPAP) therapy to be more successful.

How much sleep is required?

Adults should sleep at least seven to nine hours per night, according to experts, however, some people require more and some require less.

According to a recent National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America poll, Americans (years 18-54) sleep an average of 6.4 hours per night during the week and 7.7 hours on weekends. Sleep time has been decreasing in recent years, according to the poll. People who sleep fewer hours are more likely to use the internet at night or carry work home from work.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, older persons (aged 55-84) get seven hours of sleep on weekdays and 7.1 hours on weekends. In older adults, sleep is frequently disrupted by the urge to use the restroom as well as physical pain or suffering.

In youngsters, there has also been a decrease in sleep time. The optimal amount of sleep time changes with age. An earlier Sleep in America poll discovered a gap between suggested and actual sleep time in children, with real sleep time 1.5 to two hours less than recommended.

Caffeine use resulted in a three to five-hour loss of sleep and having a television in the bedroom resulted in a two-hour loss of sleep each week in children.

What exactly is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which people struggle to fall or stay asleep.

Insomniacs exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

•          Having trouble falling asleep.
•          Frequently waking up through the night and having difficulty falling back asleep.
•          Getting out of bed too early.
•          Sleeping is not refreshing.

Having at least one daytime difficulty related to lack of sleep, such as weariness, sleepiness, mood difficulties, concentration problems, accidents at work or while driving, etc.

Insomnia varies in duration and frequency of occurrence. About half of adults have intermittent bouts of insomnia, and one in ten has chronic insomnia. Insomnia can occur on its own or in conjunction with medical or psychological disorders. Insomnia can be temporary (acute or adjustment insomnia) or persistent (chronic insomnia).

It can also come and go, with periods when a person does not have any sleep troubles. Acute or adjustment insomnia can last anywhere from a single night to several weeks. Chronic insomnia occurs when a person experiences insomnia at least three nights per week for a month or more.

Life pressures (such as job loss or change, the death of a loved one, or moving) can cause short-term or acute insomnia, as can disease or environmental elements such as light, noise, or severe temperatures.

Long-term or chronic insomnia (insomnia that happens at least three nights per week for three months or longer) can be caused by depression, chronic stress, and nighttime pain or discomfort.

A conditioned emotional response is a typical cause of chronic insomnia. Insomnia symptoms are prolonged by thoughts about the sleep problem (e.g., "What if I don't fall asleep tonight?") and behaviours that evolve around the sleep problem (e.g., sleeping in and napping, brooding in bed).

What exactly are restless legs syndrome?

RLS is a sleep disorder characterised by an acute, often overwhelming need to move one's legs. This sensation is caused by resting, such as lying down in bed or sitting for long periods of time, such as while driving or watching a movie. RLS is most common in the evening, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. It has been linked to issues with daytime sleepiness, irritability, and concentration. People suffering from RLS frequently desire to walk around and shake their legs to help ease the painful sensation.

What exactly is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep-regulation disorder that disrupts the control of sleep and awake. Narcolepsy causes extreme daytime tiredness as well as occasional, involuntary episodes of falling asleep during the day. These unexpected sleep bouts can happen at any time of day and throughout any activity. Some narcolepsy sufferers have acute muscle weakness in response to laughter or other emotions.

Narcolepsy typically appears between the ages of 15 and 25, however, it can appear at any age. Narcolepsy is frequently misdiagnosed and so mistreated.

What treatments are available for sleep disorders?

Healthcare providers recommend a variety of treatments, including:

Counselling: Cognitive behaviour therapy is recommended by certain sleep specialists. This type of counselling assists you in "recognising, challenging, and changing stress-inducing thoughts" that can keep you awake at night.

• Medications and/or nutritional supplements
• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is one example of sleep hygiene.
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Reduce noise.
• Reduce light.
• Adjust the temperature to your preference.

Your healthcare professional will provide recommendations based on your specific situation.

What medications may be beneficial for sleep disorders?

Some of the drugs and supplements listed below may be recommended by your healthcare provider:

Melatonin, zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone, ramelteon, suvorexant, lamborexant, or doxepin may be useful in some cases of insomnia.

Gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, or pregabalin can be used to treat restless legs syndrome.

A variety of stimulants or wake-promoting medications, such as modafinil, armodafinil, pitolisant, and solriamfetol, can be used to treat narcolepsy.

Should I see a doctor?

If required, request a referral to a sleep specialist from your healthcare physician.

What are some suggestions for getting a good night's rest?

Make your bedroom pleasant, cool, quiet, and dark to create an ideal sleeping environment. If noise is keeping you awake, use background sounds such as "white noise" or earplugs. If light disrupts your sleep, use a sleep mask or blackout curtains.

•  Consider the positive. Avoid going to bed with a negative mindset, such as "How will I get through the day tomorrow if I don't get enough sleep tonight?"
• You should not use your bed for anything other than sleeping and intimate relations. Do not watch television, eat, work, or use computers in your bedroom.
• Try to clear your mind before bedtime by writing things down or making a to-do list earlier in the evening. This is helpful if you tend to worry and think too much in bed at night.
•  Establish a regular bedtime and a relaxing routine each night by taking a warm bath, listening to soothing music, or reading. Try relaxation exercises, meditation, biofeedback, or hypnosis. Wake up at the same time each morning, including days off and vacations.
• Stop clock-watching. Turn the clock around and use only the alarm for waking up. Leave your bedroom if you cannot fall asleep in 20 minutes. Read or engage in a relaxing activity in another room.
• Avoid naps. If you are extremely sleepy, take a nap. But limit naps to less than 30 minutes and no later than 3 p.m.
• Avoid stimulants (coffee, tea, soda/cola, cocoa and chocolate) and heavy meals for at least four hours before bedtime. Light carbohydrate snacks such as milk, yoghurt, or crackers may help you fall asleep easier.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least four hours before bedtime and during the night.
• Exercise regularly, but not within four hours of bedtime if you have trouble sleeping.

How long will I have a sleep disorder?

Times vary, and it also depends on what type of sleep disorder you have. Discuss a timeline with your healthcare provider, taking treatments into consideration. 

What foods or drinks should I take or avoid to reduce my risk of a sleep disorder?

Avoid the following:

•          Caffeinated drinks such as soda and coffee in the late afternoon or evening.
•         Diet pills.
•         Decongestants.
•        Antidepressants (these can suppress the REM sleep, but never discontinue antidepressants without permission from your healthcare provider) (these can suppress the REM sleep, but never discontinue antidepressants without permission from your healthcare provider).
•          Tobacco.
•          Alcohol.