Sleep disorders are one of the most common problems people face today. These disorders are also known as somnipathy in which sleep patterns are disturbed and can interfere with regular life routines and the physical, mental, emotional, or social ways of life. People tend to suffer from different conditions during sleep like night terrors or bruxism, which is teeth grinding. Several sleep disorders are common, but underdiagnosed, can be treatable but might be severe. To manage sleep conditions and make your nights better, it is important to get diagnosed first. For which, polysomnography (PSG). Multi sleep latency test (MSLT) or actigraphy are commonly used.
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There are different types of sleep disorders with or without apparent causes. The most common ones include insomnia, hypersomnia, parasomnia, circadian rhythm sleep disorder, and sleep-related breathing disorder. It is important to focus on the causes and symptoms of sleep disorders to manage it. The management is based on working through psychological, behavioral, or medical ways, depending on the underlying conditions.
Insomnia is when a person has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and early morning wakening. It is not a disorder but a symptom itself indicating the presence of other primary conditions and no obvious cause. Still, sleep is insufficient enough to make a person feel fresh and active. It can be due to depression, anxiety, migraines, breathing problems, or abdominal pains. Management includes treating underlying causes, especially if it is a depression or other psychological distress. The person is advised to control their caffeine or alcohol intake and avoid exercises, heavy meals just before bedtime. Review the medications as some medicines tend to cause sleep disturbances like CNS stimulants, decongestants, nicotine, etc. However, an insomniac person is advised to go to bed when sleepy, start yoga or meditation, exercise 4 hours before bedtime, and avoid day time napping. Visit the doctor for any pharmacologic management that fits best according to the situation.
Some primary sleep disorders occur in all age groups i.e., children or adults, and among both genders equally. But, most of the time, the cause remains unidentified and challenging to manage. Consequently, patients become quite irritated with lesser focus and concentration. Less or no sleep can be due to routine, environment, or health changes, which tend to change the rhythmic circadian cycle. The circadian cycle is responsible for secreting melatonin and induces sleep. Situations like jet leg or shifts of work from day to night are usually responsible for misaligning sleep demands as per the body’s biological clock. Management includes the use of melatonin or short-acting benzodiazepine as it lasts for a few days, and when the body becomes used to, the circadian cycle sets itself again.
Some people, especially children, suffer from night terrors, which is not able to sleep, known as parasomnias. The management includes removing any doubts or fear, or through pharmacological treatment. Proper diet and living an active lifestyle also help with it. Other sleep disorders that cause excessive sleepiness during daytime, known as narcolepsy can be problematic doing routine work. It is found to be familial and even induces deep sleep (REM stage) while conscious. Management includes meditation and yoga to keep the mind focused and active, along with therapeutic medicines.
Some people have symptoms of loud snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep. This cause disrupted sleep patterns and indicate sleep apnea. It is mainly found in people who are obese, have cardiovascular diseases, male and older age. Management includes weight loss, restriction of alcohol or caffeine, avoiding supine position, and CNS depressant drugs.
No matter what type of sleep disorder anyone has, it is necessary to maintain sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene is a routine which includes sleeping early and waking up on time, sleeping in calm, dark and quiet places, avoiding spicy foods before sleep, exercising 4hrs before sleep, and keeping your mental state at peace!
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!