Sleep disorders can be a serious concern, especially if you’re the person who has a hard time getting sleep. People depend on sleep to recharge their batteries every night and rebuild and repair muscle tissue that’s been damaged during the previous day. Without sleep, it’s hard to focus on daily tasks and it’s easier to become irritated at small things that might not otherwise be a big deal. A short-term lack of sleep isn’t a cause for concern, but people who suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea need to seek treatment.

Insomnia

Insomnia is when someone has problems falling asleep or staying asleep. They might lie awake for hours each night, trying to fall asleep. Or, they may fall asleep easily, but wake up often throughout the night.

There are many different ways to treat insomnia. Some people have great success with sticking to a strict bedtime routine, making sure they get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and avoiding caffeine. If those first defense treatments don’t work, a medical treatment may be needed.

Some doctors suggest using an over the counter sleep aid or herbal remedies every once in a while, but many people can develop a tolerance for them, causing them to stop working. Stronger sleep aids are available by prescription, but they can cause sleepwalking, sleep driving or even sleep eating problems! It’s best to work with a doctor to treat your insomnia.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a condition where a person has unpleasant leg sensations around bedtime or whenever they stretch out their legs. The ‘jumping’ sensation associated with the syndrome makes it difficult to fall asleep.

The cause of restless leg syndrome is usually unknown so most doctors first test for anemia or any other undiagnosed causes. If fixing anemia doesn’t help the condition, it’s may be time to consider medications to help eliminate the symptoms.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where the air passages close themselves off as someone sleeps. The obstruction causes oxygen levels to drop dramatically and startles the body awake because it’s not getting enough oxygen. Someone with sleep apnea can actually wake up 20-30 times an hour, making this a serious sleep disorder.

People with sleep apnea should attempt to lose weight if they are overweight and may find relief when sleeping at an angle. Treatment for sleep apnea also includes using a CPAP machine. The patient uses a CPAP mask attached to a CPAP machine. The machine pumps a continuous stream of air into the airways, eliminating the oxygen level drop. Wearing a CPAP mask attached to a CPAP machine can get some getting used to and you may need to practice wearing it while awake, but result is a restful night’s sleep.

Sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea are serious medical concerns that should be addressed. People suffering from these sleep disorders can benefit from medications, herbal remedies or possibly a CPAP machine to help them get a good night’s sleep.