Sleep is essential for our well-being. Sleep helps our bodies to repair themselves and also helps give our minds a break from the hustle and bustle of the day. However, many people struggle with falling or staying asleep. In fact, about 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders each year, and about 20 million more Americans have occasional problems with sleep. If you’ve been tossing and turning into the wee hours, here are some of the most common disorders that could be affecting your sleep in Schaumburg.Common Sleep Disorders
1. Sleep Apnea
Over 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder that causes breathing to stop while asleep. Each breathing interruption lasts for at least ten seconds and will happen intermittently throughout a person’s sleep cycle. Because of this lack of oxygen, those with sleep apnea are often exhausted during the day.
Sleep apnea can also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. However, from oral appliances to wearing a CPAP mask while sleeping, there are several ways to reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
2. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
It’s suspected that about 10 percent of the American population may have RLS. This neurological condition causes throbbing, creeping sensations in the legs. You may also experience an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. The cause of RLS is unknown; however, genetics may be the main factor. Lack of sleep and alcohol may also make symptoms worse.
Treatment includes incorporating lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, taking certain supplements, and reducing alcohol intake. Sometimes dopamine-related medications can help control symptoms.
3. Narcolepsy
Many people have heard about this brain disorder that affect sleep-wake cycles. Those with narcolepsy will experience sudden bouts of sleep that may hit them at any moment. These bouts can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Narcolepsy can greatly impact a person’s daily life. It can be dangerous to drive a car or operate machinery and it can make school or work a challenge.
While there are no cures for narcolepsy there are medications to help treat the condition. Common medications include those that “wake up” the central nervous system (e.g. modafinil), certain kinds of antidepressants and sodium oxybate.
4. Insomnia
People that have insomnia can experience a host of sleep issues:
- Problems falling asleep
- Tossing and turning throughout the night
- Waking up too early
- Feeling tired after waking
Insomnia can be either acute or chronic and can be linked to certain health conditions like depression, asthma or heartburn. Mild forms of insomnia can be treated by incorporating better sleep habits. For those with health-related insomnia, treating the medical condition will help alleviate sleep problems. Also, behavioral approaches such as relaxation exercises may also help insomniacs.
Call Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C.
If you think your exhaustion or sleep problems could be due to a sleep disorder, call our office today to schedule an appointment. Nothing is more valuable than getting a good night’s rest!
Are you a patient of Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago, S.C.? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences below!
