Common Sleep Disorders & Their Symptoms

Everyone has had trouble sleeping at some point in their life. When the problem is chronic, it can impact your quality of life and overall health. The following looks at some of the most common sleep disorders that could be leaving you feeling groggy and run down.
 

Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and affects individuals of all ages. When the condition becomes chronic, it can lead to the following symptoms:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating and lack of focus
• Irritability, anxiety, and depression
• Headaches
• Problems performing tasks at home or work

Psychological concerns, environmental changes, medical conditions and medications, and one’s lifestyle can all contribute to difficulty falling or staying asleep. Lifestyle modification and the implementation of good sleep habits are the first lines of treatment. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids if conservative measures do not improve sleep quality.
 

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where a person stops breathing for brief periods through out the night. As the person sleeps, soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse into the airway and block oxygen. If untreated, OSA can lead to a broad range of heart-related problems. Common symptoms of OSA include:

• Loud snoring
• Morning headache and dry mouth
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Witnessed episodes of breathing cessation

OSA is most common among older, overweight adults. Patients with moderate to severe OSA are typically treated with a CPAP machine that uses positive airway pressure to keep the airway open.
 

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by a persistent and overwhelming urge to move the legs. The condition is usually worse during periods of rest. The condition can develop at any age, but typically worsens as a person gets older. Symptoms of RLS include a burning, tingling, throbbing sensation in the legs while at rest. The feeling is usually relieved by movement or by massaging the legs.
 

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic condition characterized by overwhelming drowsiness and sudden episodes of sleep. The exact cause of narcolepsy is not known; however, most people develop the condition by the age of 25. The condition can impact school and work performance as well as personal relationships. Narcolepsy treatment typically involves stimulants and antidepressant medications and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.
 
If you believe you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, contact Urgent 9 today. We will help you, so that you can wake up feeling rested and refreshed.