Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you have as much trouble staying asleep throughout the night? Have you been waking up feeling very sleepy or tired during the day even though you slept for 8 hours the night before? All these are symptoms of sleep disorders.
Many people believe there is only one type of sleep disorder. This is just not true. There are several sleep disorders and here are some of the major ones:
Insomnia. When you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you most likely have insomnia. Insomnia comes in two flavours. The most common is called comorbid or secondary insomnia. If you have this type, your insomnia isn't the problem; it's only a side effect or a symptom of a bigger health problem.
In contrast, primary insomnia is a disorder. It's usually triggered by one or a combination of life changes. Left unresolved, it can cause long-term stress and emotional instability.
Narcolepsy. Do you feel excessively sleepy during daytime? Have you been feeling like you just have to have several naps in the daytime? Are these bouts of sleepiness accompanied by muscle weakness? Narcolepsy episodes are also called "sleep attacks". Some narcoleptics go through a dreamlike state between sleeping and waking. During this stage, they may also experience paralysis.
Restless Legs Syndrome. You know you have RLS when you feel "creeping" sensations throughout your legs. These sensations are unpleasant. They are also accompanied by pains and aches, making it difficult for you to fall asleep.
Sleep Apnea. Have you been jolted out of sleep because of your own gasping or snorting? Or do you wake up because you stopped breathing for a moment? Many instances of sleep apnea go undiagnosed because most people dismiss its symptoms. Most don't think of snoring as a sign of a potentially serious condition.
The problem with sleep disorders is that they take a toll on your health. You could feel tired all the time. You could be too sluggish to focus on work. Long-term, you could suffer headaches or even hallucinations. Worse, the fatigue that lack of sleep puts your body through weakens your immune system, making you prone to illnesses. Sleep disorders take a toll on your emotional well-being, too. People who have sleep apnea, RLS, narcolepsy, or insomnia complain of extreme mood swings, depression, and even impotence!
The good news is that there is something you can do about your sleep disorder. No, you don't need to make a beeline for sleeping pills. You can correct your sleeping problem without medication, especially if you do so as soon as it starts. Make a few lifestyle changes.
For instance, if you notice that caffeine keeps you from sleeping when you should, limit your intake or stop taking it altogether. Avoid strenuous physical activity a few hours before bedtime. Also, remove all computers, televisions, or any other gadget that may keep you from sleeping. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and relaxing. These small changes are not at all difficult to do, and they can help you sleep better and sleep longer.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/sleep-disorders-are-you-suffering-from-one-without-even-knowing-it-2865874.html
