5 Common Sleep Disorders You Should Know

It is common to have trouble sleeping. However, several chronic disorders are affecting over 50 million adults and should not be overlooked. Although insomnia is more common than other sleep disorders in San Diego, every other condition should be taken seriously. Fortunately, treatment options are available for sleep disorders, and you should talk to your doctor if you have any trouble sleeping. If you lack sleep or fall asleep unintentionally during the day could mean you are suffering from a sleep disorder, and you should seek medical interventions soon. Here is more information about the common sleep complications you can endure.

Insomnia

This is generally a state where you find it difficult to fall asleep or remain sleeping. You can either endure short-term insomnia or chronic insomnia. If you encounter a stressful life event like losing a loved one, you might be disturbed and fail to get quality sleep, which can be said to be short-term insomnia. But if you keep on having difficulties for about a month, you are probably experiencing chronic intermittent insomnia.

Generally, you can develop insomnia due to poor sleep hygiene, medical complications, hormonal changes, and limb movement during sleep.

Sleep Apnea

This is another common sleep disorder where your airways are repeatedly blocked, causing breathing stoppage. This might cause symptoms like snoring loudly and waking up at night due to oxygen deprivation in your body and brain. Fortunately, several treatment options such as CPAP therapy, dental or oral appliances, weight management, and surgery can be put in place to manage sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor to understand which option is more favorable to you.

Narcolepsy

This condition causes you to unintentionally fall asleep at any time, no matter where you are or what you are doing. You cannot regulate your sleep-wake cycle, and you can fall asleep even in the most unusual situations, like while eating. The condition can also lead to insomnia, hallucinations, drowsiness, and sleep paralysis. Fortunately, the condition can be managed through medication and scheduled naps.

Restless Legs Syndrome

This is a condition where you experience an uncontrollable urge to move your legs even though you are sleeping. This can cause some tingling, aching, or burning in your calves and sometimes in other parts of your body. If you have a strong feeling of moving your legs and the situation gets worse at night, you might be experiencing restless legs syndrome. But the good news is that treatment options such as behavioral therapy and medications can be applied to manage the condition.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

This condition causes you to act on your dreams while sleeping. You lack muscle paralysis, and you can do stuff like walking as if you are awake, but you are deep in sleep. The condition can pose a danger to you or someone around you and should be taken seriously. Therefore, if you notice or have been told that you move your limbs, talk, shout, punch, hit, or scream while sleeping, seek help as soon as possible. Your doctor will recommend medications and help you learn how to prevent injury.

You are not alone if you are experiencing any of the sleep disorders outlined herein. But seeking help is crucial to lead a quality life. Reach out to the sleep disorders specialists at Mindset today and learn how you can effectively manage your condition.