Understanding Sleep Disorders

Sleep Disorders Can Be Helped

Millions of people around the world suffer from insomnia. Many of them suffer for years before seeking treatment for their sleep disorder, chalking it up to stress or too much caffeine. Basically, these people have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.

Over time, lack of sleep can cause problems in health, relationships and job performance. It is important to seek the advice of a doctor to find out if insomnia is a condition in itself (Primary Insomnia), or a symptom of another condition (Secondary Insomnia).

Each type of sleep disorder can be treated, most often easily and efficiently.

Sleep Apnea Is A Common Sleep Disorder

Snoring is not normal! It is a sleep disorder.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common conditions to cause sleep disorders and insomnia.

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops while sleeping. It can be mild or severe. While some people only stop breathing up to 5 times a night, others cease breathing over 60 times a night. This causes the individual to wake abruptly throughout the night.

Snoring is a very common symptom of sleep apnea, and it is that symptom that often leads to a doctor visit. The doctor will usually order a sleep study to find out the cause of the insomnia to see if it is indeed sleep apnea. There are three types of apnea;

Central Sleep Apnea, which is where the brain neurologically does not respond quickly enough to maintain a good breathing rate
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more common and is caused by lax muscles which close off the throat and therefore the air supply
Mixed Apnea is a combination of Central and Obstructive Apnea and is sometimes called “Complex Apnea”

A Video Discussing Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea treatment can involve a combination of medications (especially if there are other conditions, such as Restless Leg Syndrome), Lifestyle changes (such as losing weight or sleeping on side), and CPAP; Continuous Positive Air Pressure, which is a machine which is attached to a hose through which the patient breathes, thus keeping the airways open. Treatment for Sleep Apnea, as well as other sleep disorders can be trial and error. It may take some time to get it right. In most instances, CPAP is highly successful, and patients experience almost an immediate relief of symptoms. Getting accustomed to wearing the mask may take some time, but it is generally well worth it.

Sleep Disorders Are Easily Diagnosed

Insomnia and other sleep disorders are very easily diagnosed. The sleep study involves an overnight stay in a special clinic or part of the hospital. Breathing and heart rates are monitored through the night, and any disruption in sleep is recorded. The patient is also videotaped, which often leads to the discovery of such disorders as restless leg syndrome. Normally, it is only a one night stay, but the results of the tests can tell the doctor just what is causing the sleep disorder. If it is Sleep Apnea, a CPAP may be prescribed. Overall, the inconvenience of a one night stay is well worth the result of achieving a good night sleep. Once your sleep disorder is diagnosed and treated, patients begin to see a remarkable improvement in not only their sleep, but their lives.