Sleep Disorders
A sleep disorder is a condition that stops you getting quality sleep at night.
What happens during sleep?
What is a sleep disorder?
What are the causes of a sleep disorder?
What are the signs and symptoms of a sleep disorder?
What are the possible tests to detect a sleep disorder?
What are the possible procedures and treatments for sleep disorders?
What is the future plan if you have a sleep disorder?
What happens during sleep?
Sleep allows rest and repair for your body and brain. Adults need an average of eight hours of sleep each night. However, the exact amount of sleep you need is determined by individual factors, such as your activity level, health status, age and stage of life. Typically, as we age, we tend to sleep less and have more periods of broken sleep.
Our sleep is controlled by the circadian rhythm, an internal ‘clock’ based on the cycles of day and night. The darkness at night stimulates the release of 'sleepy’ chemicals. The daylight in the morning stimulates ‘awake’ chemicals and reduces the production of sleepy chemicals. This pattern of sleep is important for our body and brain to feel rested each day.
Both REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep are important for maintaining our natural sleep cycle. REM sleep is related to periods of sleep when we dream, and it stimulates regions in the brain associated with learning. Non-REM sleep allows for the growth and repair of our body.
What is a sleep disorder?
A sleep disorder is a condition that stops you getting quality sleep at night. Sleep disorders can result in:
- Altered mood
- Impaired daytime functioning
- Increased motor vehicle accidents
- Poor memory
- Tiredness.
Some sleep disorders are associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke and early death.
Common sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia – difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep all night
- Jet lag – a condition often experienced after long-distance flights, where travel over different time zones disrupts your body’s natural body clock of ‘wake’ and ‘sleep’
- Narcolepsy – an uncommon condition characterised by severe daytime tiredness and episodes of involuntary sleep
- Periodic limb movement disorder – movements of the legs which may cause sleep disruption
- Restless legs – an unpleasant feeling of the legs, which can make falling asleep more difficult; symptoms can be eased by movement
- Sleep apnoea – a condition in which breathing stops and starts while you sleep as a result of a collapsible airway; sleep apnoea is often associated with snoring
- Sleepwalking – when you walk whilst still asleep; sleepwalking tends to be more common in children than adults
- Snoring – when your nose and throat make vibration-based sounds during sleep.
What are the causes of a sleep disorder?
There are several causes of sleep disorders, including:
- Hereditary factors – including a family history of sleep disorders or a narrow airway
- Lifestyle factors – such as shift work, smoking, drinking alcohol, use of stimulants including caffeine or being overweight
- Medical conditions – including nasal obstruction from allergies, enlarged tonsils, airway crowding as well as medical conditions which cause pain like arthritis
- Situational causes – such as stress and anxiety resulting from a trauma or crisis event at work or home.
What are the signs and symptoms of a sleep disorder?
Some symptoms of a sleep disorder include:
- Anxiety or depression
- Breathing that stops and starts and can cause gasping upon waking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loud snoring
- Periods of severe sleepiness during the day
- Trouble falling or staying asleep.
What are the possible tests to detect a sleep disorder?
If you suspect you may have a sleep disorder, your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may also need some tests, such as:
- Electroencephalogram – a test measuring the electrical activity in your brain
- Genetic blood testing – this may be considered if hereditary conditions such as narcolepsy are thought to be causing your sleep problems
- Sleep studies – one or more tests that measure your oxygen levels, brain waves and body movements while you sleep.
Sleep tests can help to determine the cause of your sleep disorder, allowing for the most suitable treatment.
What are the possible procedures and treatments for sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders are treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Some of the most common treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes – eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol and caffeine, and get plenty of exercise
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule – going to bed at the same time each night, and reducing caffeine intake in the afternoon and evenings, can help you fall asleep
- Surgery, medications and devices – removal of tonsils, treatment of allergies and devices such as mouthguards or CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) may improve sleep disorders; your sleep specialist may also suggest medications, though this depends on your specific sleep disorder
- Therapy – cognitive behavioural therapy, and strategies to help change negative or unhelpful thought processes which keep you from sleep, can help.
'Sleep hygiene' is a term used to describe sleep habits. Here are some hints to improve your sleep hygiene which may help you feel more alert during the day. Your doctor may recommend a sleep-wake diary to record your daily activity and sleep patterns.
What is the future plan if you have a sleep disorder?
Speak with your doctor if you are concerned about your sleep or suspect you have a sleep disorder. Your doctor can assess your condition and find a solution to help you get a restful night’s sleep. For more information about sleep disorders visit the Sleep Health Foundation website.