Whether it’s blue lights from tech screens, heavy suppers or a polar opposite sleep schedule, many millennials are having trouble entering their dreamland, so you’re definitely not alone. While it’s common to have problems with sleep now and then, it could very well develop into a sleep disorder with serious health consequences.
Below are four of the most common sleep disorders that you could be suffering from. The sooner you identify your problem, the faster you can get to a doctor and fix it together.
1. Insomnia
Insomnia happens when you can’t sleep, or maintain your sleep, even without the side effects of medications, substance abuse, depression, or other previously undetected illness. It may also take the form of early morning awakening in which you wake up several hours earlier than expected and you’re unable to resume your beauty sleep. Having difficulty going to bed or maintaining your sleep may often manifest itself as excessive daytime sleepiness. Excessive daytime sleepiness could cause some functional impairment throughout your day.
2. Narcolepsy
Excessive daytime sleepiness (including episodes of irresistible sleepiness) often happens when you’re stuck in a boring lecture or after lunch. Combine that with sudden muscle weakness and you get the hallmark signs of narcolepsy. The sudden muscle weakness seen in narcolepsy may be triggered by strong emotions or surprise. Episodes of narcolepsy have been described as “sleep attacks” and could happen in unusual circumstances, such as walking and other forms of physical activity.
3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
RLS is an unpleasant “creeping” sensation that you get while trying to sleep that often feels like it came from your lower legs, but usually you get some aches and pains throughout the legs. This is usually why you are having trouble sleeping. Try stopping the pain by moving your legs by walking or kicking. Abnormalities in the neurotransmitter dopamine have often been associated with RLS.
4. Sleep Apnea
Your partner might have a snore opera every night that you’re already used to but snoring may be more than just an annoying habit – it may be a sign of sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea are said to make periodic gasping or “snorting” noises, during which their sleep is momentarily interrupted. They may also experience excessive daytime sleepiness, as their sleep is usually interrupted and may not feel restorative.
After reading about 4 of these disorders, it’s clear on how critical deep sleep is to our health and well-being. If you’re not sleeping well, see your doctor or a sleep specialist. If you have tried and failed to improve your sleep, you may like to consider professional help.
Need help to sleep better? We have some tips for you to try out:
- How to Get More Sleep
- Say Goodnight to Insomnia: 12 Quick Tips to Fall Asleep
- Stress Management: Dietary, Supplements & Herbs
- Infographic: Which Pillow Helps You Sleep Better?
- Sleeping Late VS Lack Of Sleep – Which Is Worse?
- Are You Taking The Right Snack Before Sleep?
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