Sleep Disorders
Facts About The Most Common Sleep Disorders
There are a number of different sleep disorders, and two of the most well known are insomnia and sleep apnea. Insomnia is described as the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Sleep apnea is a disruptive disorder that causes breathing to stop frequently during the night, leaving sufferers extremely tired pretty much every day.
Sleep is one of the most important of all bodily functions, so it is difficult to live happily when sleep gets disrupted. Insomnia is probably one of the most frustrating of all sleep disorders because the sufferer cannot fall asleep even though they are tired and ready for bed. It is not uncommon for a person with insomnia to lie in bed awake for an hour or more while sleep eludes them.
Most of the time, insomnia is temporary and it is frequently associated with stressful life situations such as a serious illness or death in the family. Short bouts of insomnia can even be brought on when a person has a major event in the works like a big project due at the office, major exams in school and weddings or other life-changing happenings. When this type of insomnia occurs, the best solution is to learn how to relax.
It is important that the body is fully relaxed – physically, mentally and emotionally – at bedtime. A soothing bath, cup of chamomile tea or favorite book can be great ways to calm down before hitting the sack. Other relaxing activities include meditation, prayer, stretching and muscle relaxation. Insomnia is frequently cured with just a few lifestyle adjustments and some relaxing behavioral training.
Lifestyle adjustments can also be used for patients with other sleep disorders like sleep apnea. This disorder literally causes a person to stop breathing perhaps hundreds of time during the night. They generally snore quite loudly with a noise that can sound like choking when their breath returns. Obesity is a common cause of sleep apnea, and many doctors prescribe weight loss as the initial treatment for this disorder.
Since sleep apnea affects breathing, sufferers should avoid drinking alcohol before bed and try to sleep on their side rather than on their back. Doctors also think that going to bed at the same time every night may help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea.
More severe cases of this disorder are treated with a breathing apparatus known as CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP is a mask that covers the mouth and nose while the person sleeps, enabling them to breath continuously throughout the night without any breathing disruptions or choking snores. This type of treatment is highly successful, although the mask may take some getting used to. Most patients agree that the bit of discomfort is more than worth it for a good night’s sleep.