The Things You Need To Do When You Have Problems With Sleeping Disorders

By Tashina Esteves


Many people suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders. A good night's rest is essential if the body and mind is to repair itself from each day's exertions. Over a period of time, sleeplessness affects many aspects of a person's life. For healthy functioning it is absolutely essential that a person get adequate and proper rest.

Properly speaking, a person with insomnia may have be unable to fall asleep. The other part to insomnia is that they wake up after a short time. Various factors influence sleeping patterns. Psychological trauma, stress and physical problems all impact on how a person sleeps. Lack of high-quality rest can lead to headaches, daytime drowsiness, depression, anxiety and fatigue.

Insomnia can be a symptom of other disorders. Whatever the cause, being unable to get a refreshing night's rest is a problem for a great many people. Restless leg syndrome and sleep apnoea are two of only many disorders which may cause sleeplessness.

Sleep apnoea is the name given to the short-lived cessation of breathing during rest. There is a temporary collapse of the airways and the person stops breathing. Although these lapses are brief, they may happen many times a night. This causes severe interference with normal rest patterns.

Cessation of breathing causes low blood oxygen levels and increased levels of carbon monoxide. The body is then placed under stress to bring levels back to normal. Apnoea may be treated by wearing a mask at night. These are called continuous positive air pressure masks (CPAP) and force air through the airways.

Restless leg syndrome is neurological in origin, the main symptom of which is an irresistible urge to move the legs in response to various strange sensations in the limbs. There may be sudden, involuntary jerking. Some report feeling as though there are insects crawling on the skin. Aching, burning, pins and needles, and/or itching sensations force the sufferer to continually change position.

Restless leg syndrome may affect one or both legs. The irresistible urge to move the limbs disrupts rest both at night and during the day. There is help available for the condition once it is diagnosed. Associated with this disorder is periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) which affects any or all limbs.

Because a good night's rest is vital to a person's general health and well-being, insomnia and other sleep disorders should be investigated by a professional health practitioner. A sleep study or polysomnography will help determine your usual pattern of rest. It will analyse brain activity during sleep and the way the body responds.




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