A person will at one or more points in his life will experience some trouble getting to sleep. This is a very normal and typically temporary occurrence that is a consequence of stress or illness. However, if getting to sleep becomes a regular experience that negatively affects a person day-to-day living including his health and relationships, then he is most likely suffering from a type of sleep disorder.

Significance of a Good Night’s Sleep

The norm is that a person who is in top health and condition basically sleeps well compared to those who has sleeping problem. Whether the sleeping problem is due to a medical or mental complication, sleep loss will definitely take its toll on the person’s health, emotions and general well-being. No matter how minute the loss of sleep is, this will eventually affect the person’s efficiency, mood, energy and ability to handle the stresses of daily living. An unresolved sleeping disorder not only is detrimental to one’s health but is also damaging to one’s job/school performance and relationship with family and friends. Lack of sleep could lead to accidents. A restful and peaceful night’s sleep is a necessity.

Sleep Disorders Symptoms

There are various natural reasons as to why a person can lose sleep. He might be taking care of a baby or a sick child, or maybe he’s the one with illness. He might be doing overtime work for unfinished job or work, or even studying for an exam. He might be losing sleep due to playing online and so on. In such circumstances, lack of sleep is inevitable. However if trouble falling and keeping asleep remains a problem after modifying one’s routine and habits, a consultation with a physician is called for.
If a person exhibits the following symptoms, then he might have a sleep disorder.

• daytime irritability and/or sleepiness
• trouble keeping awake while sitting down, reading or watching TV
• problem staying awake while driving
• trouble concentrating
• daytime napping
• slower reactions
• problem in controlling emotions
• drinks too much caffeinated drinks to stay awake

Most Common Sleep Disorders

Insomnia is a very common form of sleep disorder. An insomniac does not get the proper amount of sleep to wake up feeling rested and refreshed. In general, insomnia is a symptom of an underlying health or mental condition including anxiety, depression and stress. It may also be a side effect of medications and lifestyle such as too much caffeine and lack of exercise.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a type of sleep disorder that makes a person to involuntarily move his arms or legs while he is lying down. The creeping, aching and tingly sensations are quite aggravating to the sufferer.

Sleep Apnoea is a type of sleep disorder wherein a person’s breathing is temporarily arrested because of a blockage or collapse in his upper airway. This episode happens several times per hour during sleep without the person being aware of it. In the morning he might feel sleepy, irritated and tired making him unproductive all through the day.

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders occur when a person’s circadian rhythm is disrupted or thrown off. The disruption can be due to insomnia, depression, jet lag shift work, and bipolar disorder.

Narcolepsy is a type of sleep disorder that causes uncontrollable and extreme sleepiness at daytime. It is generally brought about by a dysfunctional brain mechanism that manages waking and sleeping.

Are you experiencing trouble falling and staying asleep? Instead of second-guessing, it is best to consult with a qualified medical doctor to get the root of your sleeping problem. If you think you have sleep apnoea, call us now to set up an appointment for consultation.