About Sleep Disorders

If you eat well and exercise regularly, yet still frequently feel tired, then the quality of your sleep may be to blame. Millions of people in the United States suffer from sleep disorders but don't realize that they have the condition. In many cases, sleep medicine isn't enough to treat their illness. Some sleep disorders need to be treated by a recognized sleep disorder center, but how can you tell if a bout of insomnia is really a symptom of something more problematic? In this article, we'll uncover the facts about sleep disorders and the symptoms.

There are over one hundred different types of sleep disorders that can be classified into four categories. Insomnias include difficulty falling and staying asleep. Narcolepsy and apnea are examples of disorders that prevent people from staying awake. People suffering from jet lag or those who have trouble sleeping because of shift work are having a disturbance in their sleep/wake cycle. People who experience sleepwalking or enuresis are experiencing interruptions associated with behavioral problems. Any condition in which your sleep doesn't follow the typical phase cycle or doesn't stay in each cycle for a sufficient period of time is a disruptive disorder.

Those who have disrupted sleep tend to not experience "restorative sleep." Sleep deprivation can make you irritable, tired, have less focus, a lower frustration level, and can lead to exhibiting behavior that's more emotional and impulsive. One dangerous fact about sleeping disorders is that they weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to other diseases like diabetes, cancer and even the common cold. It is not uncommon for people who suffer from sleep deprivation due to disorders such as apnea, narcolepsy and insomnia to also suffer from other problems including diabetes, asthma or a second sleep disorder.

For parents, speaking with your health care provider about sleep disorders is a good idea if you believe your child is experiencing symptoms, because people can begin suffering while still in childhood. If your child regularly suffers from nightmares, night terrors and bedwetting, then a sleep disorder clinic may be able to give you advice on how to control the symptoms. The elderly also regularly suffer from insomnia and tend to wake often. This is attributed to numerous psychological and medical conditions. Physiological problems can be a major contributor to sleeplessness. Women, who tend to suffer from sleep disorders more frequently than men, often experience an increase in their symptoms during pregnancy and menopause.

Almost everyone suffers from a sleep disorder at some time, but ignoring a persistent problem could result in serious health problems. Recovery may include a lifestyle change or altering your sleep habits. Talk to your doctor about sleep disorders and find out more about the variety of treatments available. A good night of sleep can improve both your health and your quality of life.

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