It seems that sleeping would be the easiest, most comfortable act any living being could perform. But the truth is, even sleep is not without its complications. From insomnia to narcolepsy, people are having trouble catching those z’s, either altogether or at the right time and place. So, what’s going on here? Do we just need to count more sheep than before?
Keeping your body energized with sleep is just as important as eating nutritious food. Sleep is a biological need, essential for a properly functioning immune system, healthy brain function, and motor skills. However, sleep is also one of the most poorly understood functions of the human body, as it involves complicated brain processes that even top-notch scientists can’t fully grasp. The brain doesn’t go to sleep when the body does – it’s still actively engaged in numerous processes, many of which remain elusive to experts.
Surprisingly, about 13% of Americans suffer from a sleep disorder – and that doesn’t include the 20 million Americans who occasionally experience sleep problems. Another surprising statistic is the number of sleep disorders that exist: a total of 70. Fortunately, they can be grouped into three simple “sleep problem” categories: not getting enough sleep, getting too much sleep, and getting enough sleep, but not of good quality.
Common Sleep Disorders and Their Remedies
If you’ve had a sleep disorder, it’s most likely been insomnia, where you have trouble falling or staying asleep. Especially if you’re a woman or an older adult, insomnia may have affected you at some point in your life. Perhaps it’s keeping you up at night right now, prompting you to read this article!
Considering how vital sleep is to a person’s health and development, it’s curious that so many people neglect it. College students frequently pull all-nighters to study for exams, workers wake up early to take their kids to school and stay up late at the office. Thankfully, sleep disorders are not difficult to treat, but they must first be diagnosed – and too often, people don’t take their sleep problems seriously.
So, what are some examples of common sleep disorders, and how can you address them? Some problems, like insomnia, may be directly related to one’s behavior and environment. Simply cutting down on caffeine can make it easier to fall asleep at night. Additionally, many medications, especially antidepressants, can disrupt your sleep patterns. Of course, drugs and alcohol also have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep.
However, beyond these external factors, there are many complicated issues that could be going on in your brain and body. To understand these, it’s important to first understand what sleep actually is. There are five stages of sleep, which you should ideally experience continually throughout the night. You’ll spend most of your time in stage 2 and during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage. A full sleep cycle – from stage 1 to stage 5 – typically lasts about 90 minutes. So, while cat naps can be helpful, they don’t provide a full dose of sleep! REM sleep is when you experience dreams, and stage 4 is when you’re most likely to sleepwalk or talk in your sleep.
Now, let’s discuss three well-known sleep disorders. As mentioned before, insomnia is a common issue for many people. While insomnia makes it difficult to fall asleep, those suffering from it still feel exhausted and anxious during the day, which negatively impacts daily activities. Insomnia is one of the easiest sleep disorders to treat; in most cases, it’s caused by factors like diet or stress, which are within a person’s control. However, in some cases, it can be a symptom of an underlying disease. If the causes of insomnia cannot be easily addressed, sleeping pills may be prescribed, but they should be used cautiously and only for short-term relief, as they can be addictive.
Narcolepsy is one of the stranger sleep disorders. It is typically inherited and causes a person to enter REM sleep unexpectedly, bypassing the earlier stages of sleep. A narcoleptic can suddenly fall asleep anywhere, at any time – while driving, shopping at the mall, or giving a speech. These episodes may last anywhere from one minute to 30 minutes. Most people discover they have narcolepsy between the ages of 15 and 30, and it often accompanies other neurological issues. It can become especially problematic during times of physical or emotional stress (like pregnancy or job changes). Narcoleptics often feel drowsy during the day. While medications (e.g., stimulants for daytime use and antidepressants for nighttime) can help manage symptoms, there is no cure for narcolepsy yet.
Another sleep disorder is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, disrupting their sleep patterns. People with narrow nasal passages or those who are obese are at a higher risk of sleep apnea. Other risks associated with sleep apnea include heart disease and stroke. Treatment options include weight loss, wearing facial masks that help maintain proper breathing, or, in some cases, surgery to address issues like enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum. One treatment to avoid is sleeping pills, as they can prevent a person from correcting their abnormal breathing patterns throughout the night.
There are basic steps you can take to ensure you get a good night’s rest. Establish a comfortable sleep routine; avoid ingesting caffeine or alcohol; refrain from engaging in energetic activities (like exercise) before bed, as they make it harder to wind down – instead, try something relaxing, like reading or taking a bubble bath. Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature, and use the sun and stars as your guide! Your body benefits from tuning into the natural cycle of daylight, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up if you leave your blinds open. And don’t forget, make sure your bed is comfortable!
Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into the complicated world of sleep, so you can ultimately get a better night’s rest.
