Sleep disturbance is described as the phenomenon of not getting enough sleep due to certain reasons thus, resulting in a negative impact on the mental and physical well-being of the person.
It is caused due to certain disorders and stress. Sleep disorders are the conditions that prevent a person's peaceful sleep and keep them awake for one or the other reason.
“It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterward.”- Baltasar Gracian
Types Of Sleep Disturbances
There are 4 types which are as follows:
Insomnia
It is a common sleep disorder that makes it hard for a person to fall asleep or to remain asleep for a longer time. A person may wake up in the middle of the night and not fall asleep after that or wake up earlier than desired.
Causes-
Life stress is caused due to financial or relationships difficulties.
Excessive medications.
Anxiety disorders and depression.
Chronic, gastrointestinal pain
And some other minor causes.
Restlessness legs syndrome
It is a common sleep disorder in which a person has an irresistible urge to constantly move one's leg thus making it difficult to help them fall asleep. It most commonly starts in the afternoon and continues till the person is completely relaxed and stress-free. The people suffering from it constantly move around and shake their legs to get relief from the uncomfortable sensation.
Sleep Apnea
It is a disorder in which a person's breathing gets interrupted during their sleep. It constantly wakes up the person because the person is not able to breathe thus resulting in the person not getting enough sleep. It is of two types:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)- It is more common of the two and is caused due to blockage of the air passage in the back of the throat. Thus resulting in the person not getting sleep and maybe having a minor trauma.
Central sleep apnea (CSA)- It is a disorder in which there is no real blockage of the air passage but the brain fails to tell the body to breathe. Thus, the person gasps for air in their sleep and gets awake subconsciously.
Narcolepsy
It is a sleep disorder in which a person finds it difficult to remain awake in the daytime. The person tends to fall asleep in the middle of the daytime activities be it their job, exercise, or some other strenuous task. People with narcolepsy experience sudden muscle weakness and tiredness with laughter or other emotions. It is undiagnosed and is therefore untreated.
Treatment Of Sleep Disturbances
Correct medications for the type of problem you are suffering from as mentioned above and further in the article.
Minimize noise-Noise can be a major issue for you not to sleep and can also irritate your sleep therefore select an opt environment with minimal noise.
Minimize light- Even if you are closing your eyes in a lit room you won't be able to sleep properly because your brain needs to be relaxed then only it would provide you with the type of peace you need therefore sleeping is always a good option in dim light.
Get regular exercise- Exercise has been proven a solution to almost every problem be it serious or minimal.
Manage the temperature so that it is comfortable- Check the temperature of your room because if it is very cold or very hot your body won't be relaxed and you won't be able to sleep properly.
Counseling-Talking about your mental or physical health with someone whom you trust can help in relieving stress and eventually you will get good advice and it will help you in overcoming your problem.
Medications For Sleep Disturbances
For insomnia medicines like zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone, ramelteon, suvorexant, or doxepin can be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
For restlessness legs syndrome, medicines like gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, or pregabalin can be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
For narcolepsy medicines like modafinil, armodafinil, pitolisant, and solriamfetol can be taken, again as prescribed by the doctor.
Tips For Getting A Good Sleep
Creating an opt environment for sleeping, placing softly scented candles and dim lights can help in getting sleep early.
Clearing the mind before going to sleep is necessary. If the person constantly thinks of one or the other thing, they cannot sleep peacefully.
Avoid taking naps in the middle of the day. Naps can get extended if you do not wake up, thus at night, you won't be able to sleep early and consequently have a bad day.
Go to bed early and at a fixed time, do not work overtime, and relax properly.
Think of the good things happening around you before going to sleep.
Exercise and meditate regularly. Meditation has been proved to improve your mental health practically and scientifically.
Sleep is a very important part of a human’s life therefore neglecting it and avoiding the causes for not getting adequate sleep may result in serious consequences, therefore, take care and sleep at an adequate time to prevent serious health issues in later life.
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." - Benjamin Franklin
References
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