How To Sleep Well If You Have A Sleep Disorder

A lot of people feel grumpy and they are less productive when they fail to get enough rest the night before. This isn’t just a psychological thing. It also has a lot to do with the body and its coping mechanisms. Sleep is essential because this allows the body to rest. During slumber, the body, at the cellular level, repairs itself and absorbs nutrients and other substances needed for sustenance and health. A person who isn’t able to sleep properly will feel that his body is unprepared for the functions of the day. Moreover, continued lack of sleep can lead to physical and sometimes mental illness.

Do You Have a Sleep Disorder?

Sleep disorder pertains to anything that interrupts sleep. Although some ignore their sleep disorders, it’s actually better to get medical help once a condition becomes severe enough to interfere with one’s quality of sleep. As mentioned earlier, resting the body and mind through sleep is a vital part of life; yet millions of Americans don’t think that their sleep problems aren’t serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor.

There are several types of sleep disorders. Insomnia and hypersomnia, sleep apnea, nightmares, and periodic limb movement disorder are just a few examples.

Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on the type of sleep disorder that you have. Below are a few options for certain types of sleep disorders.

1. Insomnia versus Hypersomnia

Insomnia refers to a person’s inability to sleep, while hypersomnia is excessive sleepiness particularly during the day. An individual who has hypersomnia will probably find it difficult to sleep at night. Also, someone with insomnia will probably be tossing and turning instead of sleeping. Insomnia can be due to several factors, like chronic or acute pain, psychological problems, and some sleep disorders. Hypersomnia can also be due to other sleep disorders, as well as sleep deprivation, and being overweight, among others.

Both insomnia and hypersomnia can be treated with medication. Apart from medical intervention, there are also a few things that can be done to encourage sleep. One is to create a better sleep environment. This can be done by making the bedroom an appealing place for sleeping, which means that clutter and other items that will distract a person from sleeping should be removed from the room or hidden. Some people who suffer from sleep apnea, which affects a person’s ability to breathe well, can also opt for a bed that can be adjusted upright.

2. Periodic Limb Movement

Someone with a periodic limb movement disorder or PLMD experience rhythmic movements while asleep. The movements will vary in severity, and PLMD affects either the upper or lower extremities. PLMD cannot be cured; however, the symptoms of the condition can be alleviated using medicines. Promoting better sleep practices and providing a good sleep environment also help those with PLMD.

3. Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Circadian rhythm refers to the internal body clock. This regulates bodily processes, like cell renewal and hormone production, during a 24-hour period. Many factors affect the circadian rhythm, such as work shifts, jet lag due to travel to places with different time zones, and routine modifications. Different therapies, like chronotherapy or bright light therapy, can be done to improve the sleep pattern of someone with this disorder. Changing one’s lifestyle and practices can help a lot too. This could include making changes in the bedroom, buying a new and more comfortable mattress, or reducing bedroom lighting.