Did you know that 70 million Americans struggle with sleep disorders every year? If you find it hard to get a good night’s sleep, there might be a reason for it. Learn about common sleep disorders, and what you can do about them.
Common Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are extremely common. In fact, up to 70 million Americans suffer the effects of them every year. For those with sleep disorders, getting the rest they need can be a real challenge. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you might be one of them:
- Feeling constantly exhausted no matter how many hours of sleep you get
- Struggling to stay awake during common daily tasks, such as driving or watching TV
- Relying on small naps during the day to feel rested and functional
- Feeling “brain fog,” or confusion and dissociation related to exhaustion
- Being easily frustrated, irritated, or being otherwise unable to control your emotions
- Performance problems at school or work
While a few nights of troubled sleep won’t affect you too much, consistently not getting enough rest is bad for your body. Missing out on sleep can affect everything from your mental health to your immune system. If you have a sleep disorder, you may already be aware of if it disrupts your daily life. However, some sleep disorders are less obvious, though no less of a problem for those who can’t get the rest they need. Learning about common sleep disorders is a great way to understand what might be causing your exhaustion, as well as what you can do to fix it.
Insomnia
Insomnia is probably the most well-known sleep disorder. Many people think that insomnia is simply being unable to sleep. However, insomnia is a unique condition, and any combination of these symptoms can be evidence of it:
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Waking up too early in the morning or going to bed very late at night
- Feeling like you didn’t get enough sleep, no matter how much you actually sleep
If you experience any of these sleep issues alongside any of the symptoms of sleep disorders listed above, odds are good that you may have insomnia. In fact, up to half of all adults experience insomnia at some point in their life. The best solution for insomnia is improving your sleep hygiene. If that doesn’t help, be sure to talk to a doctor about other options.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is far less common than insomnia, but it’s also more common than many people realize. The stereotypical idea of someone with narcolepsy is someone who falls into a dead sleep at the slightest provocation. However, the symptoms of narcolepsy can actually include any of the following issues:
- Bouts of uncontrollable drowsiness during the day, often resulting in unplanned sleep
- Unexplained periods of muscle weakness and other signs of physical exhaustion
- Excessive sleeping during the day
Narcolepsy often goes undiagnosed unless it is a severe case. However, it can be dangerous if untreated. There is no cure for narcolepsy, but there are medications and other options that can help.
Sleep Apnea
Have you ever slept next to someone who snores or startles in their sleep? A little snoring is nothing to worry about, but when snoring is loud enough to disturb someone else’s sleep, there’s a chance that the sleeper is suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s airway is blocked while they sleep, causing sleepers to snore or startle awake.
Sleep apnea may not sound like a big deal, but it can have a serious effect on your body. Sleep apnea can cause heart issues, diabetes, and other issues. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about scheduling a sleep study to pursue further treatment.
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No matter what sleep issues you’re dealing with, nothing improves your sleep like the right bedroom set-up. If you’re worried you might have a common sleep disorder, be sure to take a look at your nighttime habits and sleeping environment. A new mattress can be a great place to start.
To explore top-quality mattresses for the whole family, stop by Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. At our locations in Springfield and Branson, Missouri, we provide an extensive selection of top-quality mattresses, including Beautyrest®, Serta iComfort®, Tempur-Pedic®, and Scandinavian Sleep Systems. A family-owned and -operated business that supports local charities, Beautyrest Sleep Gallery offers free local delivery and setup as well as a Best Price Guarantee. Shopping for a new mattress can be overwhelming, but with our wide variety of mattresses and expert sales staff, we can put your worries to rest. To get started, please visit us in store or explore our mattress selection online.