What are sleep disturbances?
Sleep disturbances refer to issues with the quality, timing, and amount of sleep, leading to daytime impairments. Common types of sleep disturbances include:
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep at night, waking up frequently during the night, waking up too early, or feeling unrested after sleep.
- Sleep apnea: Brief interruptions in breathing during sleep due to airway blockage. This can reduce oxygen levels and lead to loud snoring, restless sleep, and daytime fatigue.
- Restless leg syndrome: Unpleasant sensations in the legs combined with an urge to move them. Symptoms are worse at night during periods of rest.
- Circadian rhythm disorders: Misalignments between the body's internal clock and external time cues. This includes advanced sleep phase (falling asleep very early in the evening) or delayed sleep phase (difficulty falling asleep and waking up very late).
What causes sleep disturbances?
Potential causes include:
- Stress, anxiety, depression
- Chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia
- Neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease
- Medications
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
- Poor sleep habits like inconsistent bedtimes
What are the consequences?
Sleep disturbances can negatively impact:
- Mood & mental health
- Cognitive functioning and concentration
- Immune system functioning
- Metabolism & weight management
- Performance at work or school
If you regularly struggle with sleep, it's important to speak to your doctor. They can help identify any underlying issues and recommend lifestyle changes or treatment approaches. Maintaining healthy sleep is crucial for both physical and mental wellbeing.
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