Quality sleep is vital in helping the body function properly. It is crucial to have a full night’s sleep for our memory, mental health, and stress levels to remain balanced. Lack of quality sleep can cause many problems such as lower energy levels, increased risk of heart disease, decreased immune system functioning, weight gain, or even weight loss due to metabolism changes. This is the reality some people have to live in. Sleep disorders are health disorders that cause people to have abnormal sleep habits, leading them to sleep deprivation. Sleep disorders are a severe issue, and you need to see a specialist in sleep disorders in San Diego if you have one. Here, we look at some of the most common sleep disorders.
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Insomnia
Insomnia is an often misunderstood disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. The main insomnia symptoms include intense feelings of fear, hypervigilance, physical exhaustion, and daytime sleepiness. Approximately 10% to 20% of adults in the United States suffer from chronic insomnia where it can come about due to stress, depression, hazardous work shifts, or the use of caffeine and other stimulants.
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Bruxism
Bruxism is a sleep disorder that causes patients to involuntarily grind or clench their teeth during their sleep. It is estimated that 1 in every two adults suffers from bruxism at some point in their lives, resulting from stress, anxiety, or alcohol use. Bruxism can lead to an increased risk of dental damage due to excessive tooth wear and headaches caused by neck soreness.
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Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes people to uncontrollably fall asleep during the day even with enough sleep at night. It affects 0.02 % to 0.18% of the population, where different symptoms include sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and diminished ability to move while falling asleep or waking up. Usually, people suffering from narcolepsy experience extreme drowsiness during the day to the point of falling asleep at any given time. There are different kinds of narcolepsy, with cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations being more common.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to temporarily stop during sleep. It occurs due to the airway becoming blocked, causing the sufferer to unknowingly wake up multiple times to resume breathing. This interruption causes a lack of deep sleep and oxygen intake, making the patient irritable or excessively tired. It is estimated that 4% to 5% of adults suffer from OSA, with it being more common in men and those who are overweight or obese.
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Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a condition that causes the sufferer to have restless sensations in their legs or arms at night. It can come with the urge to constantly move one’s legs, movement of the legs while sleeping, and pain in the limbs at night. Those who suffer from this disorder may lose sleep because they usually report feeling exhausted during the day. Restless leg syndrome can be caused by hormonal changes, iron deficiency, kidney disorders, and sleep deprivation.
In summary, lack of quality sleep can cause many problems for the sufferers where medical treatment is usually needed. You must get assessed by a doctor if you suspect you suffer from any of these disorders above.
