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3 – Most Common sleep disorders

sleep disorders

How many times have you fallen into bed at the end of the day? Completely exhausted from the day’s activities, only to lie there awake, staring at the ceiling? Well, you’re not alone! The truth is, 1 in 3 adults isn’t getting enough sleep. It’s recommended that adults get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. But when it comes to sleep, it’s really quality over quantity. Even 8 hours of shut-eye is useless if you aren’t really resting. If you’re waking up tired or find yourself falling asleep mid-afternoon, you may be suffering from one of many common sleep disorders. Keep reading to discover if any of these conditions describes you. If so, it might be time for a trip to the doctors!

1. Sleep Apnea

Sleep ApneaIs your snoring keeping you awake at night? And your partner? While most people chalk it up to simply a nasal annoyance, excessive snoring could be a sign of something much more serious. Sleep apnea affects over 22 million Americans. And most don’t realize they have a problem. But sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can’t be ignored.

During sleep apnea, you stop breathing periodically throughout the night. When the muscles in the back of the throat become too relaxed, they can block your airways. This puts your major organs in jeopardy. Your heart, lungs, and brain go into survival mode and work overtime to replenish lost oxygen. A sleep specialist can diagnose sleep apnea and prescribe a treatment plan – the most common being the use of a CPAP machine.

2. RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome)

kidney issuesRestless leg syndrome causes pain and discomfort in the legs, paired with an uncontrollable urge to move them. This condition is worst at night, making it nearly impossible for sufferers to fall and stay asleep. During the day, RSL rarely shows symptoms. It’s not until the person is at rest that pain sets in. But what causes RLS? Generally, another underlying disorder or disease triggers the onset of RLS. Things like diabetes, kidney issues, Parkinson’s disease and peripheral neuropathy have all been associated with restless leg syndrome. Several at-home remedies work to ease the discomfort caused by RLS including massage, warm or cool compresses, avoiding stimulants like coffee and sugar before bed, and establishing a healthy sleep routine. RLS isn’t the only uncomfortable condition that might back sleeping difficult. TMJ is also fairly common and may disrupt sleep. The good new is, a TMJ doctor can help diagnose and treat this condition.

3. Narcolepsy

NarcolepsyNarcolepsy is one of the more extreme sleep disorders, marked by a tendency to fall asleep in any relaxing surroundings, even if they aren’t meant for sleep. Do you find yourself nodding off during yoga class? When soft music plays, can you barely keep your eyes open? While many people hit an afternoon slump where sleepiness sets in, they can stop themselves from actually falling asleep. People with narcolepsy, however, cannot. Other symptoms of this dangerous disorder include hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and cataplexy. There are several ways to treat this sleep disorder including stimulant medications. While narcolepsy is a lifelong disorder, treatment can offer some relief.

One thing you shouldn’t mess with is your sleep routine. Without adequate rest, your body and mind will ultimately suffer. By being aware of these common sleep disorders, you can identify the warning signs and take immediate action.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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