Inconvenient Sleeping Disorders

69

By Zaiden Jace

 Sleeping is one of the most important functions in life. It's one of the few things that every single person has in common. When your sleep is coming less frequently it can get a bit upsetting. Sleep is very important as it refreshes you for the next day. It gives you a break from the real world and helps you relax. Having a sleep disorder causes you to have issues sleeping which can make your life harder than what it already is. There are several types of sleeping disorders. There severity varies.

Insomnia

People with insomnia often spend their nights counting sheep. They have difficulty falling asleep, even when they are tired. When they finally do fall asleep, they often don't stay that way. It can get very frustrating.

Insomnia is more of a symptom than an actual diagnosis. The following are what can lead to developing insomnia.

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • bipolar disorder
  • obstructive sleep apnea
  • stress
  • asthma

Symptoms

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Awakening during the night
  • Awakening too early
  • Not feeling well rested after a night's sleep
  • Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
  • Irritability, depression or anxiety
  • Difficulty paying attention
  • Tension headaches

Sleep Apnea

While people with this disorder are sleeping they tend to have periods where their breathing will become shallow, or they will stop breathing all together. This is very dangerous as the brain needs oxygen and can become brain dead if it doesn't get enough. People with this disorder often feel tired all of the time. It's possible for them to feel simply fatigued but not sleepy. They often feel drained during the day which can get in the way of their work or school. There are two types of sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA)

OSA happens when your airways become blocked repeatedly during sleep.

  • daytime sleepiness/fatigue
  • sore throat upon awakening
  • headaches in the morning
  • trouble concentrating, forgetfulness
  • depression or irritability
  • night sweats
  • restlessness during sleep
  • snoring
  • sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking
  • difficulty getting up in the mornings

Central Sleep Apnea

Unlike OSA, you are capable of breathing but your brain doesn't recognize that you need to.

  • very tired during the day
  • waking up often during the night
  • going to the bathroom often during the night
  • headaches in the early morning
  • poor memory and difficulty concentrating
  • mood problems

Narcolepsy

This sleep disorder can cause a person to randomly fall asleep. It can be very dangerous as they can fall asleep while driving or working with dangerous equipment. A person with narcolepsy can get a full night of sleep and still have an "attack". It can be very difficult for these people to live normal lives. It eliminates a lot of fun things in life such as swimming, playing sports, and so much more.

It is possible that this disorder is genetic, but it seems there is a possibility that environmental triggers can also be apart of it. There is treatment which involves a combination of medication, behavioral treatments, and counseling. Their are sleep centers all around the world that would be more than welcome to help you with your problem. You don't have to suffer any longer.

Obviously if you are falling asleep in the middle of walking you should go see a doctor but here are some other symptoms that you may have.

  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Temporary decrease or loss of muscle control
  • Vivid dream-like images when drifting off to sleep or waking up
  • Disturbed nighttime sleep
  • Hallucinations
  • Waking up unable to move or talk for a brief time

Like most disorders, the exact cause is unknown.

Comments

gqgirl profile image

gqgirl 18 months ago

I suffer from horrible insomnia. It sucks bad. I take sleeping pills, but try not to take them to regularly because my body tends to get use to it and then they don't work for me

Zaiden Jace profile image

Zaiden Jace Hub Author 18 months ago

I totally understand. I have insomnia too. It isn't fun. I have yet to find anyway to fix it unfortunately.

gqgirl profile image

gqgirl 18 months ago

Sadly I think pills are about the only way to fix it. I've heard that Walmart sells an all natural sleep aid. But I have yet to try it.

Zaiden Jace profile image

Zaiden Jace Hub Author 18 months ago

At this point I am willing to try anything. I will definitely check that out.

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