Sleep disorders disrupt the quality, quantity, and timing of your sleep, making it difficult to rest properly. Common conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome can affect both your physical and mental health. Fortunately, treatment options are available to help manage these issues and improve sleep quality.

What Are Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders prevent you from getting the restful sleep your body needs, leading to difficulties staying awake during the day. There are more than 80 recognized sleep disorders, which can impact:

● Quality of sleep: How well you sleep.
● Timing of sleep: The consistency of when you fall asleep and
whether you stay asleep.
● Quantity of sleep: How many hours of sleep you get.

While occasional sleeplessness is normal, you may have a sleep disorder if:

Types of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders can be categorized based on symptoms and how they affect the body:
● Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
● Sleep-related breathing disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea that alter breathing patterns during sleep.
● Hypersomnolence disorders: Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate nighttime rest.
● Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders: Sleep disruptions caused by a misaligned body clock.

● Parasomnias: Unusual behaviors during sleep, such assleepwalking or talking.
● Sleep-related movement disorders: Sleep issues caused by the need to move, such as restless leg syndrome.

Common Sleep Disorders

Here are some of the most frequently experienced sleep disorders:

● Chronic insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep for three months or longer.
● Obstructive sleep apnea: Episodes of snoring and disrupted breathing during sleep.
● Restless legs syndrome: An urge to move the legs while resting, often causing discomfort.
● Narcolepsy: Sudden and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep.
● Shift work sleep disorder: Trouble sleeping or staying alert due to irregular work hours.
● Delayed sleep phase syndrome: Difficulty falling asleep and waking up at typical times.
● REM sleep behavior disorder: Acting out dreams during REM sleep, potentially causing injury

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

Sleep is vital for overall health. Adults typically need seven to nine hours of sleep per night, while children and teenagers may require more. The right amount of sleep is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical well-being.

How Common Are Sleep Disorders?

In the United States alone, over 50 million people suffer from sleep disorders, and more than 100 million report regularly not getting enough sleep.

Symptoms and Causes of Sleep Disorders

The symptoms of sleep disorders vary depending on the type but may include:

● Trouble falling or staying asleep.
● Snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep.
● The need to move your legs while resting.
● Difficulty moving when waking up.
● Daytime sleepiness, mood swings, and trouble concentrating.
Prolonged sleep deprivation can result in:
● Difficulty learning and making decisions.
● Irritability and mood swings.
● Slower reaction times, which can increase the risk of accidents.
● Health issues, such as depression, obesity, diabetes, heart
disease, and dementia.

How to Prevent Sleep Disorders

While not all sleep disorders can be prevented, practicing good sleep hygiene can lower the risk. Here are some tips to improve your sleep:
● Avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and heavy meals late in the day.
● Limit naps and avoid sleeping in after 3 p.m.
● Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing sleep environment

For expert advice and treatment of sleep disorders, Dr. Srikanth is regarded as one of the best neurologists in Miyapur, Hyderabad. With extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders, Dr. Srikanth can help you find solutions to improve your sleep and overall health.