Sleeping Disorders

Sleeping disorders are medical conditions that affect the quality, timing, or duration of sleep, leading to daytime distress, fatigue, and reduced overall health. While occasional sleep problems are common, persistent sleep disturbances may indicate an underlying disorder that needs medical attention.

Common types of sleeping disorders include insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep), restless legs syndrome (uncomfortable sensations causing an urge to move the legs), narcolepsy (sudden sleep attacks), and circadian rhythm disorders (disrupted sleep-wake cycles). Causes may include stress, mental health conditions, poor sleep habits, chronic illnesses, medications, or lifestyle factors such as irregular work shifts.
Symptoms can vary depending on the disorder but often include difficulty sleeping, excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, lack of focus, and morning headaches. If left untreated, sleeping disorders can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and weakened immunity.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disorder. It may involve behavioral therapies (like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia), medications, use of devices like CPAP for sleep apnea, and lifestyle changes such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can restore healthy sleep patterns and improve quality of life.