Sleep Disorders and Remedies

What does a Good Night’s Sleep Do for Our Body?

• Good sleep repairs cells and helps our body replenish after a day’s physical activity

• During sleep, our body releases growth hormones which help in the growth of bones, tissues and new red blood cells

• Sleep also strengthens our immune and nervous systems

Some common sleep problems are discussed below. Find out how to get just the right amount of healthy, restorative sleep.

Insomnia
Most of us have experienced insomnia at some point during our lives when we are unable to get good quality sleep.

Causes: Stress, an altered sleep schedule, poor bed time habits are some leading causes of insomnia.

Solution: The good news about insomnia is that it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. Self help techniques, relaxation, and good sleep can help control insomnia and induce better sleep.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea should be taken seriously for here, while sleeping, your breathing stops or gets very shallow, which can be life threatening. During the pauses of apnea, the sleeper wakes up to breathe again, thus disrupting sleep. Gasping or choking for air to breathe and loud snoring are common signs of Sleep Apnea.

Causes: Excessive weight, large tonsils, nasal congestion or a uniquely shaped head, neck or chin can lead to sleep apnea.

Solution: Self help like losing weight, elevating the head-side of the bed, sleeping on your side can be effective remedies for sleep apnea. A mechanical device, CPAP, can be worn while sleeping, which provides continuous air pressure to keep the airway open.

Snoring
Snoring is a very common sleep disorder and can be a significant obstacle to quality sleep both for yourself and your partner.

Causes: Due to poor sleep posture, excess weight or physical abnormalities of your throat, the passage of your airway narrows down and creates the snoring sound.

Solution: Sleep on your side, elevate the head-side of your bed or lose weight to stop the snoring.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS)
Having a strong urge to move the legs or arms due to tingly or creeping sensations in the legs is RLS. During PLMD, involuntary, rhythmic limb movements occur while sleeping.

Causes: Anemia, kidney disease, pregnancy, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s or alcoholism can cause these disorders.

Solution: RLS and PLMD sufferers can find solutions in alternative therapies and lifestyle changes.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder which can cause extreme sleepiness and the sufferer can fall asleep suddenly without warning. Excessive daytime sleepiness or uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during day are common.

Causes: Definite causes are not known. Lack of hypocretin, a brain chemical, is believed to be the culprit. It may be genetic.

Solution: A combination of medication, behavioral treatments, and counseling can help alleviate the problem.