Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
We all experience poor nights of sleep at one time or another. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that we have a sleeping disorder. More often than not, this short-term difficulty with sleep is related to job stress, relationship stress or some other scenario that is causing us anxiety. Whether this is the case or not, you should be concerned if you routinely have trouble sleeping, or a bad sleep attitude. Symptoms that may signal you have a chronic sleep disorder include:- Frequent irritability
- Doze off or feel tired while driving
- Experience reduced concentration
- Have a slow reaction time
- Are quick to anger
- Feel the need to nap daily
- Drink coffee or soda just to stay awake
Most Common Types of Sleep Disorders
There are several unique types of sleep disorders. The most common is insomnia, which is defined as having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. If you crawl into bed and fail to fall asleep despite being tired, you are likely suffering from insomnia. This disorder is most commonly associated with stress, and usually clears up when the stressful situation passes. Whether insomnia is chronic or not, learning to properly cope with stress can be beneficial. Sometimes, simply creating a recurring sleep routine (going to bed at the same time every night, setting your alarm for the same time, etc.) can cure insomnia as well.Sleep apnea is another common sleep disorder. Those who suffer from sleep apnea have very shallow breathing during sleep and may even stop breathing for up to 20 seconds at a time. This difficulty breathing causes the individual to wake up frequently during the night, disrupting sleep. The simplest and most common solution for sleep apnea is a device called a CPAP. This device is worn over the mouth and nose while you sleep and improves air flow into the lungs.
Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is a disorder that results in the need to move the legs or arms. These feelings are most pronounced when the individual is sitting or lying still. Obviously, these movements can affect sleep. Thankfully, treatments such as stress management, lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements have been found to help control the disorder. The Midwest Center's Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program can help you battle conditions like RLS and other stress-related disorders to help get a good night's sleep. Be advised, however, that RLS may be a symptom of a more serious illness, such as anemia, kidney disease, Parkinson's or thyroid problems. As such, RLS sufferers should seek the help of a medical professional.
Narcolepsy
While most sleep disorders hinder sleep, narcolepsy does the opposite. The disorder causes an individual to become extremely sleepy or to fall asleep unexpectedly. Such scenarios can certainly be embarrassing in a social situation, but can also be dangerous (like when you're driving a car). Though narcolepsy is considered genetic, it is believed that stress and anxiety exacerbate the condition. As such, treatment of the condition typically involves learning to cope with stress, along with therapy and medication. If you find you exhibit symptoms similar to those explained, you might consider seeking professional help or enrolling in a program like the Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program to assist you in overcoming your narcolepsy.Less Common Types of Sleep Disorders
Other sleep disorders that be related to high stress and anxiety include:- Sleepwalking
- Nightmares
- Night terrors
- Wetting the bed
- Grinding the teeth
