How to fix the 4 biggest sleep disorders
What are the 4 biggest sleep disorders?
INSOMNIA • SLEEP APNOEA • RESTLESS LEGS • NARCOLEPSY Find out more from health24.com:
1. Insomia
Definition:
Trouble falling or staying asleep at least three nights a week for three months or longer.
Signs:
Daytime fatigue; moodiness; problems with attention and memory; anxiety about sleep.
Causes:
Stress; depression; alcohol and/or caffeine use; substance abuse; irregular sleep schedule.
Try first:
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, also known as CBT-I. Benefits are often seen in four to six sessions with a therapist.
Try next:
Prescription medication may help, but seek the guidance of a doctor.
2. Sleep Apnoea
Definition:
Breathing pauses of 10 or more seconds in bed. About one in four adults ages 30 to 70 have it.
Signs:
Loud, frequent snoring; choking or gasping sounds; morning headaches; unrefreshing sleep.
Causes:
Overweight; older age; narrow neck/throat; alcohol use; smoking; narcotic pain meds.
Try first:
Control weight, smoking and/or drinking; sleep on your side; raise your upper body with a wedge pillow when sleeping on your back.
Try next:
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device used while sleeping to deliver gentle air pressure via a mask to keep your airway open.
3. Restless Legs
Definition:
Neurological disorder causing an uncomfortable leg sensation when sitting or lying down.
Signs:
Itching, crawling, burning or throbbing that worsens at night, creating the urge to move your legs.
Causes:
Low iron; diabetes; meds (antidepressants, antihistamines); sometimes the cause is unknown.
Try first:
Iron supplements if needed; stretching; massage; moderate exercise; reducing caffeine or alcohol; quitting smoking.
Try next:
An anticonvulsant or dopaminergic agent. (Note: these medicines treat symptoms but not the problem.)
4. Narcolepsy
Definition:
Your brain loses control of its sleep-wake cycles. Sudden “sleep attacks” can occur.
Signs:
Extreme daytime sleepiness; hallucinations when falling asleep; sleep paralysis.
Causes:
Deficiency in hypocretin (neurotransmitter involved in sleep-wake cycle); sometimes unknown.
Try first:
Scheduled naps; exercise; no caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, heavy meals; consult a behavioural sleep medicine specialist.
Try next:
Antidepressants; stimulants; sodium oxybate. (Note: these medicines treat symptoms but not the problem.)
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Above mentioned are purely a general sleeping tips sharing. Please seek for professional medical advice from the doctors and health experts shall there be any consistent sleep disorders symptom.
