Over one in ten people report trouble sleeping every single night.
Sleep is vital to our overall health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t always come easily. And sleep disorders can make it even more challenging to get enough restful sleep each night.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, read on to learn about some common sleep disorders that could be getting in the way of your ZZZs.
Most Common Sleep Disorders
There are several types of sleep problems that can stop you from getting good shuteye. Some affect the mind, while others impact a specific body part or bodily function.
Here are the most common sleep disorders doctors diagnose.
Insomnia
Most people have a hard time falling asleep at least occasionally. But for others, trying to fall asleep is a constant battle between them and their body.
If you consistently have trouble falling asleep, even if only temporarily, you may be dealing with insomnia.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring and sleep apnea aren’t the same condition, though they can overlap.
Snoring is the sound produced when air flows through the throat while sleeping. Sleep apnea may include snoring, but it’s much more than that.
Sleep apnea is when breathing stops during sleep, either from a blocked airway or because the brain doesn’t tell the body to breathe. In either case, it can be potentially dangerous and can lead to serious heart issues.
Narcolepsy
While narcolepsy is rare, it’s a condition that should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Narcolepsy involves involuntary sleep episodes, usually during the day. For people with narcolepsy, it can be difficult to sleep normally at night. But in the daytime, even during regular activities, they may spontaneously fall asleep, losing control over their body and limbs.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Like the name suggests, restless legs syndrome is a condition where the legs become restless, which can keep people from resting at night.
If you have restless legs syndrome, you might feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs after you lie down in bed. And sometimes, the only relief is to get out of bed and move around in the middle of the night, interrupting the sleep cycle.
Other Conditions That Impair Sleep
Several other health conditions can stop you from having a good night’s sleep. When your body isn’t at optimal health, it may be difficult to sleep (and sleep well) at night.
Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may make it difficult to wake up or sleep at regular hours. And nightmares may be more common in those who have chronic stress.
Chronic pain can also interfere with sleep, making it hard to get comfortable at night.
Conditions like Parkinson’s can also impact restful sleep, and fragmented sleep is common. Thankfully, deep brain stimulation may help—and you can even do it while asleep!
Having Trouble Sleeping?
If you’re struggling to get enough shuteye at night, it’s important to get to the root of the problem.
Talk to a doctor who is experienced with sleep issues. They may diagnose one of these common sleep disorders, or they might help pinpoint another condition keeping you awake at night.
For more tips on sleeping well and staying healthy, read our other health articles!