Around 20% of the global population is affected by sleep apnea, one of the most widespread sleep disorders. Individuals with sleep disorders can face a multitude of health issues, including mental health problems, cardiovascular degradation, and even interfere with social relationships. Sleep is vital to improving the quality of life by improving productivity, helping cope with stress, and providing energy.
Sleep disorders can range from breathing disorders to circadian rhythm disorders, and over 80 types of sleep disorders exist, which can be classified into six types.
Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia can lead to prolonged sleep durations in the daytime or nighttime. People affected by hypersomnia can experience frequent napping, impaired concentration or memory, persistent drowsiness, and other symptoms. Common types of hypersomnia include idiopathic hypersomnia, narcolepsy, and Kleine-Levin Syndrome. Idiopathic hypersomnia focuses on both excessive daytime and nighttime sleepiness, while uncontrollable episodes of sleep mark narcolepsy during the day. Narcolepsy also may be accompanied by hallucinations, cataplexy, and sleep paralysis. Kleine-Levin Syndrome, or Sleeping Beauty Syndrome, can cause sleep episodes lasting days, weeks, or even months. A plethora of issues, such as genetic factors, head trauma, substance use, and depression can cause hypersomnia.
Breathing Interruptions or Sleep Apnea
Sleep disorders can also involve obstructed breathing, irregular breathing patterns, or pauses in breathing. Sleep Apnea is one of the most common sleeping disorders among adults and is characterized by interruptions in breathing that can last from a few seconds to minutes. These interruptions are caused by blocked airways that occur when muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively. Sleep apnea can also happen when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Like most other sleep disorders, genetics plays a role, but sleep apnea can also be caused by excess fat, strokes, and decreased muscle tone. It is common to see individuals struggling with sleep apnea to experience loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing, gasping or choking, and morning headaches. Other breathing-related sleep disorders include Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, Cheyne-Stokes Respiration, and Hypoventilation Disorders.
Consequences and Treatments
The lack of or excess of sleep can lead to significant impacts on physical, mental, and social health since sleep is crucial for the brain to function properly. Sleep disorders can increase cardiovascular issues, contribute to obesity or diabetes, and add to chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia. It can also impair concentration and memory, making learning inefficient. Sleep disorders are associated with emotional instability, such as mood swings and irritability, which can lead to anxiety or depression. Both teens and adults who struggle with healthy sleeping habits can face decreased productivity at work or school and reduce the ability to handle stress.
However, there are therapies, medications, technological solutions, and other ways to combat sleep disorders. Many people take sleeping pills or melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the circadian rhythm, to help regulate the sleep cycle. To help treat breathing related sleep disorders, CPAP therapy was created in the form of an air pressure mask. CPAP allows for continuous air flow to constantly keep airways open and prevent blocking in the throat. Lifestyle habit changes can also create a positive shift in sleeping patterns. Many participate in relaxation techniques like meditation, muscle relaxation, and use sound machines to create a better environment. Individuals can also find relief in acupuncture, relaxation supplements like chamomile, and even see sleep specialists.
Reference List
American Psychiatric Association (2020). What Are Sleep Disorders? [online] Psychiatry.org. Available at: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/sleep-disorders/what-are-sleep-disorders.
Anon, (2024). Sleep Disorders in Adults - Lone Star Neurology. [online] Available at: https://lonestarneurology.net/blog/sleep-disorders-in-adults/ [Accessed 29 Jun. 2024].
carlossantosmdpa.com. (n.d.). Carlos Santos MD. [online] Available at: https://carlossantosmdpa.com/cpap.html.
Healthline. (2012). Sleep Disorders: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/disorders.
Karna, B. and Gupta, V. (2020). Sleep Disorder. [online] PubMed. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560720/.
Pelham, V. (2022). The Six Types of Sleep Disorders. [online] Cedars-Sinai. Available at: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/understanding-treating-sleep-disturbances.html.
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