Are you struggling to get the best quality of sleep you possibly can? Is a sleep disorder the culprit?
We spend one-third of our lives sleeping – in theory. It’s our body and brain’s “downtime” for rest, recuperation, and processing. So getting a good night’s sleep shouldn’t be that difficult, right?
Wrong! Some people really struggle with sleep – going to sleep, staying asleep, sleeping properly, waking up well, or getting enough sleep. There are numerous reasons for this: poor sleep hygiene, unhealthy lifestyle choices, snoring, stress, environment, medical conditions…
And as many as 66% of Australian adults may have a sleep disorder.
What is a Sleep Disorder?
Sleep is regulated by the brain via the circadian rhythm (our natural body clock) and “normal” sleep occurs in distinct stages over several 90–120-minute cycles throughout the night.
Preventing restful sleep, a sleep disorder (or a sleep-wake disorder) is a condition that impacts the amount, timing, and quality of sleep one can get at night on a regular basis. It may lead to daytime tiredness, low physical energy, mood issues, concentration problems, functional impairment, and distress. Longer-term, it can negatively impact relationships, work performance, and road safety, and even contribute to developing chronic health conditions.
Most of us will occasionally experience short-term sleeping issues due to a hectic schedule, stress, acute illness, emotional upheaval, or another outside influence. If sleep issues become chronic or occur daily, especially if they interfere with daily life, a sleep disorder may be indicated.
Sleep disorders may be characterised by:
- Persistent trouble falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Irregular breathing during sleep
- Irregular movements during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness – even with at least 7 hours of sleep at night
There are more than 80 defined sleep disorders. These are categorised by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders as:
- Insomnia (issues falling and staying asleep)
- Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders (breathing changes during sleep)
- Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence (issues with daytime alertness)
- Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders (internal body clock issues with sleeping and waking on time)
- Parasomnias (sleepwalking, talking, eating, etc)
- Sleep-related Movement Disorders (movements disrupting sleep)
The most common of these (which we have covered in previous articles) are sleep apnoea and insomnia. There are many, many others, and the most common of these are discussed below.
Common Sleep Disorders
Sleep Starts
This is the very common “falling” sensation we are all familiar with. Experienced as muscle jerks that occur just as one is falling asleep, it often feels like a sudden dream of slipping or falling and interrupts the falling-asleep process just as it is beginning.
Similarly, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder causes muscle spasms in the legs; these may cause the sleeper to wake up. This is more common in middle-aged and older people.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
This is a neurological (nervous system) condition that presents as an irresistible urge to move the legs while you’re otherwise at rest. It’s most prevalent when trying to go to sleep. Sufferers describe the sensation as creeping, tingling, crawling, or cramping in the legs. It improves with movement but worsens throughout the day. RLS is often associated with other health conditions.
Narcolepsy
This debilitating sleep-wake disorder occurs when one can’t regulate falling asleep or staying awake, causing extreme daytime sleepiness and even involuntary napping. Some people may be unable to move when waking from sleep, suddenly lose muscle function, experience hallucinations, and have very disturbed sleep during the night.
Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Another debilitating neurological sleep-wake disorder, people with this condition sleep excessively and feel extremely sleepy during the day despite getting a large volume of good quality sleep.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
This body clock disorder causes an inability to sleep and wake at “normal” times needed to function at work, school, and socially. Includes Jet Lag, Shift Work Sleep Disorder, and Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome.
Sleep Walking
A type of parasomnia (where unusual physical events disrupt sleep), sleepwalking is more common in children; most who do it will grow out of it. Other parasomnias include nightmares, bedwetting, teeth grinding, nightmares, and sleep-talking.
REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder
Another parasomnia, the sleeping person acts out what’s occurring in their dreams – often kicking or punching.
What to Do About a Sleep Disorder?
If you suspect you may have a sleep disorder, you should see your GP for the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment if it is required. Untreated sleep disorders can lead to other consequences for your health and well-being.
Some sleep disorders arise as a direct result of a medical or mental health condition. In these cases, the issues with sleeping may be resolved when the underlying cause is treated. If a sleep disorder is not caused by a medical condition, strategies to address it may include lifestyle changes and/or certain medical treatments. Some are harmless (e.g. sleep starts, sleepwalking) and require no treatment.
Is Snoring Making it All Worse?
Snoring, alone or in tandem with a sleep disorder, interrupts sleep. Many snorers won’t even be aware they are snoring (or waking due to snoring), but the impact is unquestionable.
If you suffer from any type of sleep disorder, regardless of its severity, your sleep quality will be compromised. Likewise, if you snore (or your sleeping partner snores).
Give yourself the best opportunity to improve your sleep and nip snoring in the bud with SnoreMD.
SnoreMD is the Australian brand of a budget-friendly, simple-to-use snoring solution successfully used by thousands of people worldwide. Proudly made in Australia, it’s a patented Class 1 Medical Device that’s recommended by doctors, sleep specialists, and pharmacists for adults of all ages.
Worn in the mouth during sleep, SnoreMD gently moves the position of the lower jaw slightly forward. This opens the airways and prevents the soft tissue vibrations in the mouth and throat that cause snoring. The result is a deeper, healthier night’s sleep.
Visit us at SnoreMD today to learn more about snoring, sleep, and how this outstanding anti-snoring device could change your life for the better.
Or simply buy yours now!
