Many people in Schaumburg underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep until they’ve gone without one. To meet the demands of our fast-paced society, sleep is becoming more and more necessary, though neurology experts have found that people are sleeping at least 20% less now than they did 100 years ago. There are approximately 80 different sleep disorders prevalent in our society today. Here’s a quick look at just a few of them.
Insomnia
People with insomnia often feel they do not get enough sleep at night. If you lie awake in your bed until the wee hours of the morning, but still feel restless, you may be a part of the 30% of Americans who suffers from insomnia. Other characteristics of this disorder include waking up frequently during sleep. Causes of insomnia can vary from person to person, but have been linked to these triggers:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Taking certain medications
Studies have shown that those who suffer from chronic bouts of insomnia have a significantly higher risk of having serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.
Snoring
Snoring is a problem that occurs in many adults. A snore is produced by air rattling over the relaxed tissues of the throat. For many people, the noise produced can be quite bothersome, keeping other family members awake. Snoring stems from several causes, but can ultimately be a sign of a much more serious sleep condition—sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a treatable but serious sleep disorder that affects more than 18 million Americans. This condition occurs when the upper airway becomes completely or partially blocked and interrupts regular breathing. Most people with sleep apnea are startled awake when their breathing stops. Risk factors for sleep apnea include being male, overweight, and over 40 years old. However, sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age—even children.
For more information about sleep disorders in the Schaumburg, IL area and how to treat them, contact Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago at (847) 929-4420.
