Good sleep is crucial for one’s physical and mental health. It allows your mind and body to repair, restore, and rejuvenate. This, of course, leads to better physical, mental, and emotional performances. There are several negative affects to lack of sleep, such as decreased cognitive function and a weakened immune system. If you are having trouble falling sleep and believe it may be caused by a sleeping disorder, learn more about common types and when to speak to your doctor.

Among the most common sleep disorders is insomnia. Insomnia is a disorder characterized by an inability to initiate or maintain sleep. It may also take the form of early morning awakening in which the individual awakens several hours early and is unable to resume sleeping. Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep may often manifest itself as excessive daytime sleepiness, which characteristically results in functional impairment throughout the day.

Narcolepsy is a disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, and episodes of irresistible sleepiness, combined with sudden muscle weakness. The sudden muscle weakness seen in narcolepsy may be elicited by strong emotion or surprise. Episodes of narcolepsy have been described as “sleep attacks” and may occur in unusual circumstances, such as walking and other forms of physical activity. The healthcare provider may treat narcolepsy with stimulant medications combined with behavioral interventions, such as regularly scheduled naps, to minimize the potential disruptiveness of narcolepsy on the individual’s life.

Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, is characterized by an unpleasant “creeping” sensation, often feeling like it is originating in the lower legs, but often associated with aches and pains throughout the legs. RLS is among the most common sleep disorders, and sufferers often have difficulty initiating sleep and are relieved by movement of the leg, such as walking or kicking. Abnormalities in the neurotransmitter dopamine have often been associated with RLS. Healthcare providers often combine a medication to help correct the underlying dopamine abnormality along with a medicine to promote sleep continuity in the treatment of RLS.

Snoring is annoying, yes, but when does it become sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder? Those with sleep apnea make periodic gasping or “snorting” noises, may also experience excessive daytime sleepiness, as their sleep is commonly interrupted and may not feel restorative. Treatment of sleep apnea is dependent on its cause. If other medical problems are present, they are treated concurrently. A nasal continuous positive airway pressure device is a common treatment for sleep apnea. As interruption of regular breathing or obstruction of the airway during sleep can pose serious health complications, symptoms of sleep apnea should be taken seriously. Treatment should be sought from a health care provider.

Most healthy adults should get between 7 and 8 hours to sleep per night if they want quality sleep. Still, life, stress, and our bodies are sometimes against us and sleep disorders may develop. By speaking to your doctor and prioritizing good sleep habit, such as investment in a good mattress in a box nz, sleep disorders don’t have to ruin your optimal health.