Common Sleep Disorders: Do You Have One?

etween 50 and 70 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep disorders as estimated by the American Sleep Association. A lack of sleep can make attending school and work a challenge and it can lead to various health problems. If you are struggling to sleep at night, we can help.

Sleep Recommendations

According to the CDC, adults between the ages of 18 and 60 need at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 need at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night. School-aged children require 9-12 hours depending on age and children under 5 need 11-14 hours per night (this includes any naps).

Possible Sleep Disorders

#1. Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is thought to affect 25 million adults in the United States. If a person has sleep apnea, the person’s tongue falls back and blocks the back of the throat during sleep, blocking airflow intermittently. This reduces the amount of oxygen the body is receiving, causing them to stir and wake up briefly whether or not they realize they are waking.

It can happen multiple times a night, resulting in daytime sleepiness, morning headaches and unrestful night sleep. Snoring is typically a symptom of sleep apnea. Older people and people who are obese are more at risk for sleep apnea.

#2. Insomnia

Insomnia is a condition in which a person has difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They may suffer from long stretches of sleepless nights or poor sleep quality once they do get some rest.

#3. Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is unexplained daytime sleepiness even if a person is getting the recommended amount of sleep per night. Narcolepsy symptoms include sudden sleepiness, falling asleep during daily activities, muscle weakness and loss of muscle control.

#4. Circadian rhythm sleep disorder

Trouble falling asleep and waking at normal hours— such as when the sun rises and when nighttime occurs— are classified as circadian rhythm disorders.

#5. Parasomnia

Unusual action of the nervous system during sleep is known as parasomnia. A person with parasomnia may sleepwalk, talk in their sleep, struggle with sleep terrors, engage is sleep eating, experience confusion when they wake or experience bedwetting issues.

#6. Restless leg syndrome

This disorder results in the urge to move the legs in a jerking fashion during rest. It may create difficulty falling asleep or disturb restful sleep.

Health Risks Associated With Sleep Loss

Not getting enough sleep increases the risk of health conditions like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, anxiety and depression. It may also increase the risk of car wrecks and work-related injuries. Little sleep could lead to reduced libido, memory loss, weight gain and premature aging.

It could impair the ability to think straight, causing problem-solving issues, trouble staying alert, making decisions and reasoning. Sleep loss could even increase the risk of premature death.

We Can Help To Improve Your Sleep

Sleepless nights make for miserable days. If you are struggling with sleep, participating in a sleep study will provide insight into what is causing your sleeplessness. Once we determine a diagnosis, we can provide you with treatment options that will lead to longer, more restful nights of rest. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about possible sleep disorders.