Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the ability to sleep well on a regular basis. Whether they are caused by a health problem or by too much stress, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common. Most people occasionally experience sleeping problems due to stress, hectic schedules, and other outside influences. However, when these issues begin to occur on a regular basis and interfere with daily life, they may indicate a sleeping disorder. In some cases, sleep disorders can be a symptom of another medical or mental health condition.
The Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
- difficulty falling or staying asleep
- daytime fatigue
- strong urge to take naps during the day
- irritability or anxiety
- lack of concentration
- depression
The different types of sleep disorders
There are numerous different types of sleep disorders. Some may be caused by other underlying health conditions.
Insomnia
Insomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep. It can be caused by jet lag, stress, anxiety, hormones, or digestive problems. It may also be a symptom of another condition. Insomnia is usually classified as one of three types:
- chronic, which is when insomnia happens on a regular basis for at least one month
- intermittent, which is when insomnia occurs periodically
- transient, which is when insomnia lasts for just a few nights at a time
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This is a serious medical condition that causes the body to take in less oxygen. It can also cause someone to wake up during the night.
Parasomnias are a class of sleep disorders that cause abnormal movements and behaviors during sleep. They include:
- sleepwalking
- sleep talking
- groaning
- nightmares
- bedwetting
- teeth grinding or jaw clenching
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is characterized by “sleep attacks” that occur during the day. This means that you will suddenly feel extremely tired and fall asleep without warning. The disorder can also cause sleep paralysis, which may make a person physically unable to move right after waking up. Although narcolepsy may occur on its own, it is also associated with certain neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.
If you suffer from a sleep disorder, medical hypnotherapy can help. Book a call to learn how you can solve your sleep problems, today.
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