A Comprehensive Guide to Living with Sleep Disorders

There may be many symptoms associated with insomnia. They can vary from one person to another. Some of the most obvious signs you may have are: trouble falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep at night, difficulty sleeping through the night, difficulty awakening early, daytime sleepiness or fatigue, mood swings and irritability, as well as difficulty concentrating. Other signs and symptoms include excessive snoring or gasping in sleep, sleepwalking, restlessness, or sleep choking.

There are many sleep disorders. Each type has different symptoms and causes. Here are some of the most common sleep disorders.

Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder where you have trouble falling asleep. It can be caused either by stress, anxiety, depression or medications.

Sleep Apnea – This is a type of sleep disorder that results in breathing difficulties during sleep. This condition is often caused when there is a blockage in the airway. It causes breathing problems and decreases oxygen levels.

RLS: A sleep disorder that causes an uneasy sensation in the legs and makes it difficult for you to fall asleep, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). It can be caused either by an underlying medical condition, such as iron deficiency and kidney failure, or by certain medications.

Narcolepsy (or sleep disorder): Narcolepsy can be described as excessive daytime sleepiness or sudden sleep attacks. It’s caused because of a disruption to the brain’s cycle between sleep and wake.

Parasomnias : This is a group of disorders that cause abnormal behavior during sleep such as sleepwalking or night terrors.

Treatments For Insomnia

The treatment options available to treat sleep disorders vary depending upon the condition and the underlying causes. Here are some of most common treatments to treat sleep disorders.

There are many medications to help you, such as antidepressants, sedates, and medications designed for specific conditions, like sleep apnea. Be sure to discuss your needs with your healthcare provider.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of therapy that aims for the improvement of negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause sleep problems. This includes learning relaxation techniques and creating a consistent sleep routine. It also helps to identify and manage stressors.

Neurofeedback Therapy. Neurofeedback therapy utilizes sensors to monitor brain activity. This feedback is used to help patients learn how to regulate brainwaves. This can be particularly beneficial for insomnia, which is often caused by irregular brain activity.

Continuous Positive airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP can be used to treat sleep apnea. A mask is placed over the nose, mouth or forehead while you sleep. This provides continuous airflow that keeps the airway open and prevents breathing interruptions.

Research Findings

There have been numerous studies that examined the effectiveness neurofeedback therapy as a treatment for sleep disorders. One study, published in Sleep Medicine 2019, showed that neurofeedback therapy can reduce symptoms of insomnia. This effect was sustained over a six-month period.

Another study, published by the Journal of Sleep Research in 2017, showed that neurofeedback therapy could be used to reduce symptoms of sleep disorder, improve sleep quality, and decrease daytime sleepiness.

Bright light treatment: Bright lighting therapy allows the body to be exposed to bright light in order reset its natural sleep-wake rhythm. It has been shown that it is effective in treating circadian rhythm disorders including delayed sleep phase disorder, shift work disorder, and other related issues.

Melatonin. Melatonin plays a role in the regulation and maintenance of the sleep-wake period. Supplemental doses of melatonin have been shown to be effective in relieving insomnia, especially for those suffering from delayed sleep phases disorder or jetlag.

Regular exercise can improve sleep quality as well as reduce the severity and frequency of sleep disorders like sleep Apnea. Particularly, aerobic exercise, such like walking fast or cycling, has been shown to be highly effective.

Hypnosis: In combination with cognitive behavioral therapy, Hypnosis has been proven effective in treating insomnia. It relaxes the mind and helps to change sleep-related thoughts.

Acupuncture: This involves the insertion thin needles in specific points on the body. It has been studied for its effectiveness in insomnia treatment.

Mindfulness meditation – Mindfulness meditation is the practice of paying attention to each moment in order to be present and free from judgment. It has been found to be effective at reducing stress levels and improving sleep quality.

This is important to keep in mind that although these treatments have shown promising results in research, they may not prove effective for everyone. It’s crucial to discuss your condition with your healthcare provider.