What are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders can affect every aspect of life, whether you’re struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel refreshed during the day. They are conditions that disrupt your ability to get restful and restorative sleep, impacting your energy, mood, and overall health. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can reclaim restful nights and energized days.
Types of sleep disorders
There are many types of sleep disorders, but some of the most common include:
- Insomnia — Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often linked to stress, diet, medical issues, pain, or mental health issues, such as mania, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
- Sleep Apnea — Breathing interruptions during sleep that can cause snoring, gasping, and frequent awakenings, leading to daytime sleepiness.
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) — A neurological condition causing uncomfortable sensations and an urge to move your legs, especially at night.
- Narcolepsy — A disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of sleep.
What causes sleep disorders?
The causes of sleep disorders are diverse and may include:
- Physical conditions — Heart disease, respiratory problems, perimenopause, menopause, or chronic pain can interfere with sleep.
- Mental health disorders — Anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress can make it difficult to sleep.
- Neurological factors — Conditions like RLS and narcolepsy are rooted in brain function.
- Lifestyle influences — Poor sleep habits, caffeine use, substance use, and irregular schedules can contribute.
In some cases, sleep disorders arise from a combination of these factors, making it essential to pinpoint the root cause.
How are sleep disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosing sleep disorders often begins with a conversation about your sleep habits and medical history. Your healthcare provider may also recommend a referral for:
- Sleep studies—These include overnight monitoring (polysomnograms) to assess brain activity, breathing, and other factors while you sleep. Many times, these can be done remotely in the comfort of your home.
- Actigraphy — A wearable device tracks your activity and sleep patterns over several days.
- Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) — Measures daytime sleepiness and helps identify disorders like narcolepsy.
These evaluations help uncover the cause of your symptoms and guide effective treatment.
Treatment options for sleep disorders
Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) — Helps address negative thought patterns and habits that disrupt sleep.
- Relaxation Techniques — Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises promote restful sleep.
Medical Interventions
- CPAP Machines — These devices keep airways open for sleep apnea and improve breathing during sleep.
- Certain medications can treat underlying issues, such as anxiety, depression, mania, RLS, or narcolepsy. For medical issues, referral to the proper specialist is essential.
Lifestyle Changes
- Establishing a consistent sleep schedule
- Creating a calming bedtime routine
- Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and screen time before bed
