Sleep disturbances affect nearly everyone at some point. They occur when you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, which leads to daytime fatigue or sleepiness. Common types include:
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep. This may stem from stress, travel, health issues, medications, or substances.
- Sleep apnea: Brief pauses in breathing during sleep, causing poor sleep quality. Risk factors are obesity, large tonsils/adenoids, or anatomy of head/neck.
- Restless leg syndrome: Unpleasant sensations in legs combined with urge to move them. Often worse at night or when lying down.
- Circadian rhythm disorders: Misaligned sleep-wake cycles. Jet lag is an example.
Consequences of chronic sleep disturbances may include:
- Fatigue
- Memory and concentration problems
- Mood issues like irritability or depression
- Impaired immune system
- Weight gain
- Safety issues if driving while drowsy
If you struggle with poor sleep, first focus on
sleep hygiene - regular sleep-wake times, dark/quiet room, avoiding screens before bed, etc. If that fails, see your doctor or a
sleep specialist to uncover potential causes.
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For some cases like sleep apnea or
circadian rhythm disorders, specific treatments beyond lifestyle changes may be needed, like:
- CPAP machine - Provides air pressure to keep airway open
- Light therapy - Resets circadian clock
- Melatonin - Hormone that regulates sleep cycle
The key is determining the root cause of your sleep issues through an evaluation with a professional.
Don't assume poor sleep is "normal" or something you have to live with! Relief may be closer than you think with today's treatment options.