Identifying Common Sleeping Disorders
Sleep is a commodity, especially for those who live fast paced lives, with both work and leisure taking much of their time. Unfortunately, not everyone gets the right amount and quality of sleep that their bodies require. Sleep disorders plague the lives of many, causing discomfort as well as paving the way for more serious conditions. Getting to know each of them helps in preventing their development.
Insomnia: The Sleep Stopper
Insomnia is one of the most common sleeping disorders. It is characterized by the difficulty or inability to sleep, particularly during the conventional hours of bedtime. Stress, anxiety, a “twisted” body clock, exercise during the wee hours and excessive consumption of stimulants – like caffeine – are among its leading causes.
In the lethargic state brought by insomnia, performing normal activities is not easy. Concentration is dimmed, as the entire torso feels numb and weak. Viruses and bacteria have an easier time penetrating the immune system’s defenses, since the immune system is affected.
Narcolepsy: Untimely Rest for the Restless
Narcolepsy, in terms of its effects, is like insomnia in reverse. Instead of having a hard time sleeping, excessive sleepiness is felt during the day, reducing one’s cognitive functions and the ability to perform regular functions efficiently. The condition is caused by poor sleeping habits and some viral infections. It isn’t as risky as insomnia, health-wise. However, the condition is just as, or even more, dangerous, especially if one falls asleep or loses concentration while driving.
Restless Legs Syndrome: Incessant Limb Movement even in Slumber
This condition is rather unique, as it urges the afflicted to move his or her arms and legs to stop a strange outpour of sensations from certain muscles. It is pretty irritating, since the sensations tend to dampen mental focus and even disturb sleep. Often dismissed as a minor annoyance, the condition can actually be a symptom of an illness, nutritional deficiencies and psychological problems. It is a known cause of insomnia.
Sleep Apnea: Blockage in the Respiratory Passage
As a byproduct of obesity and diseases that enlarge the nasal and throat areas, sleep apnea reduces both the amount and quality of sleep. Blockages in the respiratory tract, often coming from excess fat, deprive the body of oxygen while sleeping. People suffering from the disorder feel fatigued upon waking up.
Sleep apnea leads to a haul of complications, one of them being congestive heart failure. Its symptoms include heavy snoring, gagging or choking, and long breath intervals during sleep. It is one of the more serious disorders, which is why consulting your doctor at the first sign of the condition is your best move.
Sleepwalking and Rabid Eye Movement: Acting Out a Bad Dream
Sleepwalking and rabid eye movement entail involuntary actions while in the supposedly peaceful state of slumber. Such actions can cause harm to the afflicted, as he or she acts or reacts in accordance to the projected scenes in dreams. Excess fatigue and neurological disorders are known causes of both disorders.
Consult Your Doctor
Sleeping Disorders might be threatening, but the medical world presents a lot of remedies for each condition. They can come in the form of home remedies, a change in lifestyle or simply avoiding the causes. Whichever the case, you should consult your doctor, so you can apply or get administered with the most suitable treatments.