Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are common. There are many different ones. The most common are:

Insomnia

Insomnia symptoms include:

• Problems falling asleep and/or staying asleep
• Waking up often
• Lack of restful sleep
• Daytime sleepiness

Insomnia may be short term (a few days or weeks) or long-term (more than 4 weeks). It makes it hard to function during the day.

Sleep troubles may seem like only an annoyance. But long term insomnia can affect your health. It needs to be treated.

Treatments for insomnia include changing sleep habits, avoiding stimulants, and sometimes sleep medicine.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder with pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for 10 to 30 seconds at a time. It interrupts sleep often and leads to daytime sleepiness. If untreated, it may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and early death.

People with sleep apnea often snore loudly or wake up gasping for air. If you or your bed partner has any of these symptoms, call your doctor.

There are many effective treatments for sleep apnea. They include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, dental devices, lifestyle changes, medicines, or surgery. Treatment will also lower your risk of problems.

Why Sleep Becomes Hard to Get

Many people do not have a sleep disorder, but still have trouble sleeping. A number of health problems can cause problems sleeping, including:

• Pain—People with arthritis often have painful joints. The pain may make it hard to fall or stay asleep. If you suffer from arthritis, ask your doctor about pain treatments.
• Heartburn—Nighttime heartburn may cause symptoms of wheezing and long term cough. It can cause repeated awakenings and daytime sleepiness. Raising the head of the bed may ease symptoms. Medicine may also help.
• Respiratory ailments—Asthma, lung, nerve, and muscle diseases can affect breathing. They can cause trouble with sleep.
• Menopause—Hot flashes and breathing changes are linked with menopause. They appear to disturb sleep—sometimes quite often.
• Medicine—Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medicines cause insomnia or drowsiness. They may suggest changing the drug or the time you take it.
• Going to the bathroom—An enlarged prostate or other conditions can cause frequent bathroom trips at night. This can disturb your sleep. Talk to your doctor if you are using the bathroom many times at night.
• Chemical changes—The hormone melatonin influences sleep and wakefulness. Production of this hormone changes as we age.

Making Good Sleep Habits

Certain habits can help you get better sleep. It is important to stick to them. This will help them become a part of your routine. Good sleep habits include:

Sleep Medications and Herbal Remedies

Changing sleep habits is often the best treatment for insomnia. It should be used before medicines and supplements. Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your sleep and wake habits. This may help find the cause of your sleeplessness and its solution.

Some people use melatonin, valerian, or other supplements to help them sleep. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any supplements.

Lights Out!

Sleep is very important for your health. Do not settle for a few hours of sleep per night. Sleeplessness and sleep disorders are treatable. Try different methods. If you still have problems, call your doctor.