A solid night’s sleep is something we all desire, but we may struggle with sleep nightly. You may be showing some warning signs you have a sleeping disorder, so it’s beneficial to identify the problem before it becomes a more significant issue.
Warning Signs
Before we delve into the types of sleeping disorders and their treatments, it’s essential to recognize warning signs that you may have noticed:
- You’re struggling to fall asleep.
- You’re irritable and tired even if you slept for at least seven hours.
- You need long naps in the day.
- You’re dozing off while at school, driving, or working.
- You must rely on outside sources such as coffee or energy drinks to stay awake.
- You wake up regularly throughout the night.
Common Disorders
With those warning signs at the forefront of your mind, let’s explore the types of sleeping disorders and the treatment plan for each one.
Insomnia
One awful night of sleep doesn’t make you an insomniac, but it is a red flag you shouldn’t ignore. Someone suffering from short-term insomnia has dealt with symptoms for fewer than three months. However, if those problems persist longer, it may be long-term insomnia.
The best strategy for handling insomnia is making a lifestyle change and practicing effective sleeping habits. If your schedule permits, have a set bedtime and set the alarm for the same time every day. Getting into a routine will minimize your insomnia.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects all people, from children to adults. What makes sleep apnea terrifying is that it can slip under the radar and go undiagnosed throughout most of someone’s life. Therefore, it’s vital to observe your partner’s or children’s sleeping habits for any signs that sleep apnea is the culprit.
The gold standard for handling sleep apnea is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) prescription and machine. A CPAP machine provides you with the airflow your body seeks, but make sure you consistently clean your CPAP equipment for the best results.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, means a person can be sound asleep and still jolt themselves awake by kicking the air. Narrowing down why people suffer from RLS has been a challenge for researchers, and it may be out of your control based on your family history. Although you may feel hopeless in controlling your involuntary spasms, there are some methods you can attempt to reduce them. Avoiding stimulates, taking baths, and getting regular exercise will comfort your body and keep it still. Other than that, a doctor may prescribe something in case you are iron deficient.
Narcolepsy
Uncontrollably nodding off throughout the day can be awkward, embarrassing, and even dangerous. You never know when narcolepsy will rear its ugly head if you suffer from this disorder, so it’s crucial to address it head on.
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is one of the strangest sleeping disorders—waking up in a different place than where you fell asleep always melts your brain. Although “walking” is in the name, sleepwalking isn’t limited to just walking. One might do many activities while they aren’t consciously aware.
There’s no magic cure to sleepwalking. Eventually, your body may break the habit on its own. If not, you’ll want to consult a doctor.
Now that you know the warning signs you might have a sleeping disorder, you might have an answer to your problems. Hopefully, you can finally receive the sound sleep you crave.