What Are Sleep Disorders? Types, Symptoms & When to Seek Help

Are you awake the whole night, staring at the clock or the ceiling fan? Do you struggle to focus during the day due to a lack of sleep? Sleep is a crucial aspect of one’s overall health and well-being. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep for an adult is important, which helps to keep the body active, heal it, and restore its chemical balance. Having a peaceful night's sleep can help you wake up refreshed and rejuvenated the next morning. But this may not be the case with many! Sleep disorders affect millions worldwide, which can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health. 

From insomnia to sleep apnoea, various sleep disorders can affect your quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent sleep disruptions, it may be time to seek professional help. Understanding the types, symptoms, and treatment options is vital to regain those restful nights and energised days. 

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are defined as conditions that make it difficult for you to fall asleep or disrupt your normal sleep patterns. These conditions can keep you away from getting a peaceful night's sleep. Experiencing difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep occasionally may be normal. This can be due to factors like a poor sleep environment or stress. Sleep problems can also be a sign of an underlying physical or mental health condition. However, facing such troubles persistently requires medical attention. With poor lifestyle habits and increasing levels of stress, millions of people are developing sleep disorders. This may significantly impact the physical and mental health of those affected. 

Causes of sleep disorders:

• Certain medical or psychological conditions: Narcolepsy

• Physical issues: Frequent urination, illness, or any injury 

• Medical issues: Diabetes, asthma, or any breathing difficulties 

• Psychological issues: Anxiety, depression, or stress 

• Environmental factors: Increased alcohol consumption, overuse of electronics like mobile phones or laptops

• Age: People over the age of 55 often experience significant sleep disturbances due to chronic health conditions, medications, and irregular sleep patterns. They tend to spend less time in deep, uninterrupted sleep at night and rely more on daytime naps to compensate.

Types of sleep disorders you should know

Currently, over 100 sleep disorders have been recognised, but the most common types include the following:

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep for most nights for at least three months 

• Sleep apnoea: This condition is characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep, disrupting rest

• Parasomnias: Displaying abnormal behaviour during sleep

• Narcolepsy: A chronic neurological condition in which the brain cannot regulate sleep-wake cycles 

• Restless leg syndrome: This is a neurological condition causing uncomfortable leg sensations and an irresistible urge to move, disrupting sleep

• Circadian rhythm disorders: Disruptions in the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle

Sleep disorders and insomnia: Are they the same?

Sleep disorders and insomnia may appear to be the same, yet these two terms are different. Insomnia is a specific type of sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. On the other hand, sleep disorders are a group of conditions like sleep apnoea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome. Sleep disorders are like an umbrella term, and insomnia is just one of the many conditions under it.

Common symptoms of sleep disorders

Sleep disorders can be characterised by the following signs and symptoms:

• Difficulty falling asleep. It may take more than 30 minutes to fall asleep.

• Waking up early in the morning and then being unable to fall back asleep

• You may experience continuous snoring

• Abnormal breathing patterns while asleep 

• A feeling of gasping or choking during sleep

• Chest pain at night 

• Having a feeling of not being able to move when you wake up

During the day, lack of sleep can lead to the following symptoms:

• Feeling sleepy throughout the day

• Falling asleep easily, even while doing routine tasks 

• Poor concentration 

• Mood changes like irritability 

• Frequent falls or accidents due to constant sleepiness 

• Poor performance at school or work

Sleep problems & disorders: When is it time to worry?

Having sleep issues once in a while due to stress or hormonal fluctuations like during menstruation or menopause is normal. However, when sleep disorders and problems start to interfere with your daily life, it is a cause for concern and time to worry. If you repeatedly struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel exhausted during the day, it is time to take charge of your sleep quality. If sleep issues persist for more than a few weeks or are accompanied by other symptoms like loud snoring, breathing difficulties, or restless legs, it's time to seek medical attention.

When to seek medical help for a sleep disorder

Don't ignore the impact of sleep disorders on your work performance, quality of life, and overall well-being. Chronic sleep disorders can result in serious complications like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues. Knowing the signs of sleep disorders and acknowledging them is crucial. Seek medical help when these signs and symptoms start impacting your daily life and relationships. Prioritise your sleep health and consult a healthcare professional, preferably a sleep specialist, to understand the problem and improve your sleep quality. 

Final takeways

Sleep disorders are a group of sleep problems that disrupt normal sleep patterns. There are several types of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, insomnia, to name a few. If you are experiencing persistent sleep issues such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, breathing problems, extreme exhaustion, or sleepiness the next day, it's time to seek medical help. Untreated sleep problems can significantly impact your physical and mental health. Don’t delay consulting a sleep specialist as early diagnosis and management can help improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you prevent sleep disorders?

Yes, you can prevent sleep disorders. This is possible by establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a sleep-friendly environment, practising relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, avoiding stimulants like caffeine before bedtime, and managing stress. These preventive tips help promote healthy sleep habits and reduce sleep disorder risk.

2. Are sleep disorders hereditary?

Sleep disorders may have a genetic predisposition, meaning you can inherit the condition from your parents, siblings, or relatives. Remember that even though family history increases your risk, it is not the sole dominating factor. Environmental factors and lifestyle can also play a significant role. 

3. How are sleep disorders treated?

Treating sleep disorders depends on the type. Sleep disorders are typically treated with a combination of lifestyle modifications, medical intervention, and behavioural therapies. This usually includes medications, sleep hygiene practices, therapies focusing on cognitive behaviour, and other treatments.

4. Can acupuncture help manage sleep disorders?

Some studies suggest acupuncture may help manage sleep disorders by improving sleep duration, depth, and quality. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

5. Can sleep disorders affect children?

Yes, children may be affected by sleep disorders. Sleep problems in children can cause issues like poor performance, hyperactivity, attention deficit, and behavioural problems. Sleep disorders in children can also affect growth, development, and emotional well-being.