Sleep Disorders: Types, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Posted by Dr. Manvir Bhatia on December 20th, 2020

WHAT ARE SLEEP DISORDERS?

Affecting the mood, weight, hormone levels, and skill to sleep well, either due to stress or a continuing health problem, sleep disorders are getting increasingly common due to the fast-paced lifestyle.

WHAT ARE THE KINDS OF SLEEP DISORDERS?

Several sleep disorders could also be due to lifestyle changes or any underlying health condition. If any of the disorders are persistent, consulting a health specialist directly is advisable to avoid further health problems.

Insomnia denotes a mix of trouble with falling asleep, an inability to sleep once disturbed, or waking up early within the morning. Causes include improper sleeping arrangements, smoking, anxiety, depression, stress, excessive sleeping during the daytime, medical conditions, and so on. All of this results in lower energy, fatigue, and dark circles around the eyes.

Parasomnias include Sleepwalking, sleep talking, Sleep terrors/nightmares, tooth grinding, and bedwetting. These aren't considered to be dangerous unless you're sleeping next to the person! Such disorders could also be attributed to any number of mental disorders or could also be thanks to Mood disorders, Anxiety, Panic, Depression, or excessive alcohol intake.

Narcolepsy refers to drowsiness within the daytime that causes uncontrollable sleeping. Some persons experience hallucinations during this state.

Sleep Apnea mentioned as a severe medical condition, sleep apnea is another common disorder that's more prevalent in men. This condition disrupts breathing and makes the person feel tired even after a good sleep. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, poor memory and concentration, diminished drive, disturbed mood, high BP, and daytime fatigue. Though it is often treated by making lifestyle changes, if the condition persists for an extended duration, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine could also be advised by the doctor. an active lifestyle and a strict watch on the weight can reverse the condition when it's in its mild stage.

Restless Leg Syndrome Uncomfortable sensations within the legs followed by an irresistible urge to move the legs is mentioned as restless leg syndrome. The severity ranges from insignificant to intolerable and usually worsens with time and starts disrupting sleep. Parkinson’s disease and ADHD are the two health conditions related to this syndrome. This syndrome affects both men and ladies and is typically diagnosed in middle-aged or older people.

THE CAUSES OF SLEEP DISORDERS

Several health and genetic conditions can cause a disturbance in sleep. Few causes are mentioned below:

  • Respiratory issues
  • Allergies
  • Frequent urination or Nocturia
  • Chronic pain due to lower back pain, arthritis, or the other condition
  • Continuing headache
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Anxiety and stress

THE DIAGNOSIS OF SLEEP DISORDERS

The doctor usually takes a session to know the patient’s medical record then performs a physical examination followed by a group of tests. The tests include genetic blood testing, electroencephalogram, and polysomnography. These tests determine the right course of treatment depending on the disorder.

  • Genetic Blood Testing - diagnoses underlying health conditions and narcolepsy.
  • Electroencephalogram - evaluates electrical activity within the brain.
  • Polysomnography - a sleep study that evaluates and records the movement of the body, oxygen levels, and brain waves. PSG may be a multi-parametric test that's performed to check sleep disorders.

THE TREATMENT OF SLEEP DISORDERS

The sleep problems treatment depends on the sort of disorder one is affected by and its underlying cause. Routine medications and an improved lifestyle can help in controlling this disorder. Your doctor will recommend you the medical treatments that include sleeping pills, medication for allergy or cold, melatonin supplements, CPAP just in case of sleep disorder, dental guard (teeth grinding), and medicine for any underlying disease that's causing the disorder.

Lifestyle changes recommended by the doctor include creating a sleep schedule, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, dietary changes, and reduced stress, sugar, and caffeine intake.

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Dr. Manvir Bhatia

About the Author

Dr. Manvir Bhatia
Joined: August 14th, 2020
Articles Posted: 1