A sleep disorder is a disorder of sleep patterns on a regular basis. Some disorders of the sleep are serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental, social and emotional functioning.
More than 70% of Americans aged between 20 and 58 report sleeping difficulties fairly on regular basis.
Sleep Problems-
- Quality of sleep
- Timing of sleep
- Amount of sleep
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Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
Symptoms may differ depending on the severity of the sleeping disorder and types of sleeping disorder. General symptoms of sleep disorders include:
- Difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep
- Daytime fatigue
- Strong urge to take naps during day time
- Lack of concentration
- Irritability or anxiety
- Depression
Sleep Recommendations time for a child to Older adult
| Infant (4-11 months) | 12-15 hours |
| Toddler (1-2 years) | 11-14 hours |
| Preschooler (3-5 years) | 10-13 hours |
| School-age child (6-13 years) | 9-11 hours |
| Teen (14-17 years) | 8-10 hours |
| Young adult (18-25 years) | 7-9 hours |
| Adult (26-64 years) | 7-9 hours |
| Older adult (65+ years) | 7-8 hours |
Types of Sleeping Disorder
Insomnia: A sleep disorder can be caused by a variety of issues, from teeth grinding to night terrors. When a person suffers from difficulty in falling asleep with no obvious cause, it is referred to as insomnia.
Sleep disorders are broadly classified into-
Dyssomnias – covers a range of concrete sleeping disorders, Insomnia, Sleeplessness, inability to Sleep, Wakefulness. Chronic and assiduous arduousness in either; falling asleep, remaining asleep through the night, or arousing too early.
Parasomnias – a group of sleeping disorders associated with unnatural forms of movement, behaviours, perceptions, emotions and dreams that occur while falling asleep, during sleep, between nap stages or upon waking.
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders- unable to sleep and wake at the times required for normal work, school, and social needs.
Sleep Apnea- characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome- an overwhelming need to move the legs.
Narcolepsy- characterized by “sleep attacks” that occur during the day.
Sleep Disorders Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of sleeping disorder and underlying cause. However, it generally includes a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes.
Medical Treatments-
Medical treatment for sleep disorder might include any of the following:
- Sleeping pills
- Allergy or cold medication
- Melatonin supplements
- Breathing device or surgery (usually for sleep apnea)
- Medications for any underlying health issues
- Dental guard (usually for teeth grinding)
Lifestyle Changes-
- Incorporating more vegetables and fish into the diet, and reducing the sugar intake
- Reducing stress and anxiety by exercising
- Creating and sticking to a regular sleeping schedule
- Drinking less water before bedtime
- Limiting your caffeine intake, especially in the late afternoon or evening
- Decreasing tobacco and alcohol use
- Eating smaller low carbohydrate meals before bedtime
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can also significantly improve your sleep quality.