Healthy

70 Million Americans suffer from sleeping disorders: 4 common sleep disorders

A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute study found that between 50 and 70 million Americans have chronic sleep disorders. Around 3 to 4 millions people suffer from severe to moderate obstructive snoring, and 10 percent of all Americans suffer from chronic insomnia.

Sleep disorders affect all aspects of our lives, including academics, relationships, and work. Diabetes and heart disease can also be caused by sleep disorders. It’s therefore important to understand what sleep disorders are, and which four of them are most common.

What are Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders can cause you to feel sluggish and sleepy during the day. Anyone can be affected by a lack of sleep. You may have a sleep disorder, however, if you:

  • You experience sleeping difficulty regularly.
  • Even though you sleep more than seven hours a night, you often feel tired in the morning.
  • You are not able to perform at your best during the day.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are most commonly classified into:

  • Insomnia

A person with insomnia is unable to fall asleep, or sleep for a sufficient amount of time. This lack of sleep over time can cause diabetes, hypertension and weight gain. Some other insomnia symptoms are irritability and problems with concentration.

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Another medical condition that causes a constant urge to move is restless leg syndrome. It is also known as “Willis Ekbom disease” and causes symptoms such as itchiness, crawling, pulling, or even burning. This condition is often hereditary, and it can be caused by many different diseases or medications.

  • Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a condition in which the brain of the patient cannot control whether they are awake or asleep. Patients may also experience other symptoms, such as falling asleep during the day.

  • Sleep apnea

This medical condition is caused by a patient stopping breathing during sleep. It can be due to an obstruction in the airway (also known as obstructive apnea) or the brain not being able to control breathing.

The lack of oxygen that results triggers a survival response, which brings you back to consciousness enough to resume your breathing.

Conclusion

If you experience symptoms that interfere with your ability to sleep, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.