Sleep is one of the greatest scientific mysteries. We still don’t fully understand why it is we need to sleep, but we do know that it is absolutely crucial to both our physical health and our mental wellbeing.
Sleep disorders come in a variety of forms. They can be incredibly damaging to us, and sufferers can be subject to a range of serious implications arising from disturbed or unhealthy sleep. We’ve put together a list of three of the most common sleep disorders. Check it out below.
Insomnia
Insomnia is defined as difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep. Sufferers may only manage a few hours of sleep per night, or in extreme cases they may not be able to sleep at all.
This can have a range of effects. It can make sufferers feel exhausted during the day which can have a serious impact on their professional and social lives.
Insomnia is incredibly common, with research indicating it affects around one in three people in the UK. It can manifest in several different ways, including difficulty falling asleep, waking several times during the night, and waking up early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep.
Identifying the exact cause of insomnia can be incredibly difficult. It could be related to anything from mental health to substance abuse. As a result, it is a tricky disorder to treat. If you are suffering from insomnia, your best bet is to visit a private sleep clinic in London. There you’ll be examined by experts who will be able to identify the cause of your insomnia before taking steps to address the issue.
Sleep Apnea
Snoring might be considered by many to be nothing but a minor annoyance. However, excessive snoring can be a symptom of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep. It can come in one of three forms. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused when throat muscles relax, central sleep apnea is when your brain fails to send the right signals to control breathing, and complex sleep apnea is a combination of the two.
Sleep apnea can cause fatigue during the daytime and can even lead to serious health issues like heart conditions, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition of the nervous system that causes uncontrollable movement of the legs. This often comes on at night when sufferers are trying to sleep, which is why it is classed as a sleep disorder.
The condition can be mild and only happen occasionally or it can be severe and seriously impact quality of life. It is a neurological condition thought to be connected to the regulation of dopamine in the body.
RLS can sometimes be indicative of an underlying health issue so it’s vital you see a health practitioner if you are displaying symptoms of the condition.
Conclusion
Sleep disorders come in many forms. If you are suffering from disrupted sleep, speak to a professional at a sleep clinic to help treat the condition.
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