Sleep disorders
The sleep disorders in Nagpur refer to conditions that hinder the capability of people to obtain quality sleep concerning time, duration, and their ability to remain awake.
Despite the more than 80 identified sleep disorders, common ones include the insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea. The mental and physiological effects of these conditions might be quite drastic. More positively, treatment options to address such conditions and help sleep quality exist.
Diseases affecting sleep include:
- Sleep quality: The quality of sleep you get.
- Sleep timing: The time at which you fall asleep and how long you sleep.
- Sleep quantity: The amount of sleep and wakefulness experienced.
Even occasional sleep disturbances are normal, but if you :
- Have trouble falling or staying asleep repeatedly.
- Feel tired during the day despite getting at least seven hours of sleep.
- Have a problem performing routine daily activities.
What are the types of sleep disorders?
There are more than 80 distinct types of a sleep disorders. Among them, one or more of the following are the
- most common: Chronic insomnia- The person is unable to sleep or stay asleep during the night for more nights than not for more than three months, causing a feeling of tiredness or irritability. Obstructive sleep apnea- This is characterized by snoring and some periods while asleep when breathing stops.
- Restless legs syndrome: Characterized by the urge to move the legs while at rest, usually along with uncomfortable sensations.
- Narcolepsy: It causes a difficulty of regulating sleep-wake cycles as people experience uncontrollable sleep episodes and excessive somnolence during the day.
- Shift work sleep disorder: Develops as disturbances in sleep onset or maintenance happen due to work schedules.
- Delayed sleep phase syndrome: The patient goes to sleep two hours or more later than desired and remains less likely to wake up in time for obligatory functions similarly work or school.
REM sleep behavior - Disorder : The disorder is characterized by acting out the dreams that take place in the REM stage of sleep, causing interruption or even injury.
What are the symptoms of sleep disorders?
Major sleep disorders Symptoms vary with the type but may include:
Difficulty initiating sleep and on most nights having more than 30 minutes spent asleep. Waking in the night or having difficulty staying asleep. Snoring, gasping, or having a sensation of choking. Compulsion to move your legs or discomfort when resting, relief is gained by movement. Transient paralysis at waking, feeling unable to move.
Common Types of Sleep Disorders:
- Insomnia:
Difficulty in falling to sleep, or staying asleep, or waking up early in the morning. It can either be acute that has a duration of a short period, or chronic that lasts long. Stress, anxiety among other medical conditions can cause it. - Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea is one of the deadliest condition which involves repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. It falls into two categories: one; obstructive sleep apnea, mainly caused by the blockade within the upper airway attributed to excess weight or oversized tonsils and the other known as central sleep apnea.
Central Sleep Apnea: When the brain fails to send signals to the muscles to breathe. - Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS):
An irresistible urge to move the legs. Leg symptoms are often associated with uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms often worsen at night, when they disrupt sleep. - Narcolepsy:
A chronic sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness or sudden sleep attacks. People with this disorder may also experience cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone) or disrupted nighttime sleep. - Parasomnias:
Abnormal behaviors or experiences during sleep. Examples include:
Sleepwalking: Walking and getting out of bed while in a deep sleep.
Night Terrors: Episodes of intense fear during sleep, usually with screaming or thrashing.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Acting out dreams during REM sleep which may result in injury. - Circadian Rhythm Disorders:
Endogenous disorders resulting from a disruption in the body’s internal clock which often controls the sleep-wake cycle. Examples include working night shifts, traveling across time zones, or maintaining irregular sleep schedules.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Various factors can contribute to the sleep disorders, including:
- Medical Conditions: Chronic pain, asthma, diabetes, and depression can interfere with sleep.
- Medications: Some medications may disrupt sleep patterns or cause insomnia.
- Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression are common contributors to sleep disorders.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep hygiene, irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can impact sleep quality.
- Age: Sleep patterns can change with age, leading to an increased risk of sleep disorders.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for sleep disorders varies based on the specific condition and its underlying causes but may include:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants (caffeine, nicotine) close to bedtime.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can be improve a sleep quality.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
- CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective therapy that addresses thoughts and behaviors contributing to insomnia.
- Medications:
- Sleep Aids: Prescription medications or over-the-counter sleep aids may be used for short-term relief, but they are not recommended for long-term use.
- Medications for Specific Disorders: Certain medications can be prescribed for conditions like RLS or narcolepsy.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP):
- A common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, where a machine delivers a steady stream of air to keep the airways open during sleep.
- Surgery:
- In some cases, surgery may be an option for severe obstructive sleep apnea or structural issues causing sleep problems.
How are sleep disorders treated?
For some sleep disorders, helping people establish a regular sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene is helpful. Some sleep disorders also may benefit from specific cognitive behavioral therapy aimed at working with the sleep disorder. Medication to treat sleep disorders should be discussed with your healthcare provider as this can include such sleeping aids as sleeping pills, alerting agents, or supplement use, such as taking melatonin. Be certain to never stop using any medication without first speaking with your healthcare provider. Medication adjustment or dosing change, if needed, by a healthcare provider. Treatment trials, such as CPAP therapy or implantation of a neurostimulator, for sleep apnea. Discussion regarding treatment with light therapy. An appropriate treatment will be decided upon by your healthcare provider and treatment options will be discussed including side effects.
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