Sleep disturbances refer to problems with the quality, timing, and amount of sleep, which can negatively impact daytime functioning. These issues are extremely common, affecting people of all ages. Some examples of sleep disorders include:
What causes sleep problems?
There are often multiple factors at play when it comes to sleep disturbances. Both physical and mental health issues can interfere with high-quality sleep. Stress, underlying medical conditions, medications, sleep environment, and lifestyle choices also influence sleep. Even factors like age, genetics, and sex may impact someone's risk for certain disorders.
How are sleep disorders diagnosed and treated?
If you consistently have trouble sleeping, feeling tired during the day, or have other worrying symptoms, see your doctor. They can refer you to a sleep specialist for an evaluation, which may involve keeping a sleep diary, wearing sensors during sleep to monitor body functions, or doing a sleep study test.
Treatment depends on the specific sleep disorder but may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene education, relaxation techniques, improved sleep habits, oral appliances, CPAP machines to improve breathing, or medications. Treating underlying health issues may also help resolve sleep disturbances.
The effects of poor sleep shouldn't be underestimated, as sleep plays a vital restorative role physically and mentally. Thankfully various evidence-based treatment options exist nowadays to help people achieve healthy, high-quality sleep.