In this day and age, many people blame insomnia, unsatisfactory rest and/or snoring on their busy lifestyles. In some cases, people just don’t realize that they’re actually suffering from serious sleep disorders that really do require specific treatments.
If you’re experiencing night terrors, restless sleep, insomnia, and significant daytime exhaustion related to poor sleep quality, you need to understand that your problems may run deeper than “not sleeping well lately”. By understanding what types of sleep disorders exist and which symptoms each disorder features, you’ll be able to decide whether or not you’re dealing with a major health issue.
We all care about our health; however, sometimes, how well we sleep is basically ignored. To become healthier and happier, you must address your sleep problems and issues and find the right treatments.
Once you’ve learned how to attain deeper, more restful sleep, you’ll notice that your whole life is in better balance.
Here is some useful information about some common sleep disorders:
Primary Insomnia
If you have trouble sleeping in your own bedroom, but you seem able to nod off just about anywhere else (such as a comfy sofa, or even on public transit), you may be suffering from the sleep disorder known as primary insomnia.
This sleep syndrome tends to affect people who deny or internalize their emotions regularly, and it usually develops during the childhood years. If you’ve suffered from periods of sleeplessness for a long, long time, and you frequently feel tense and unable to concentrate due to stress and fatigue, primary insomnia may be affecting your daytime life in a pretty serious way.
Treatments for insomnia will vary; some people take more exercise, while others give up caffeine and other stimulants. Sometimes, therapy that gets at the root of emotional problems may be extremely helpful. Prescription medications that promote sleep are available from doctors (by prescription only), but these may be addictive.
Night Terrors
Periods of extreme stress may trigger night terrors; traditionally, this sleep disorder is something experienced by children, who then outgrow it. However, in adults, night terrors, which are characterized by terrible nightmares that make the dreamer scream out loud, may be a signal that something serious is affecting the subconscious mind.
If you’re having nightmares that leave you drained and freaked out, it may be time to get some help. Nightmares that occur more than once a week should be considered a true sleep disorder; a sleep specialist can help.
Sleep Apnea
If your days are filled with frustrating mental fog and tremendous weariness, you may be experiencing sleep apnea all night long.
People who are always exhausted, but aren’t insomniacs, are likely to suffer from this sleep disorder. If you sleep alone, you may not know that you snore heavily or exhibit other common symptoms of sleep apnea (such as obvious “stops” in breathing during the night); however, if you sleep with a partner, you may already have some idea that your sleeping patterns and behaviours are a little bit different.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you really need to use a CPAP machine and nasal pillow to regulate your breathing during the night; this type of treatment is the only way to improve your cognitive function and energy levels during the day. Aside from the obvious benefits of improved mental functioning, you’ll also enjoy healthier blood pressure levels, a more positive mood, and less headaches and muscle aches. Your body will heal as you begin to enjoy a proper night’s rest every single time you hit the hay.
Sleep disorders are serious; they affect our daytime lives, and they impact our health and longevity. If you need help dealing with sleep issues, contact a sleep disorder specialist today.
