Sleep Disorders - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Sleep disorders are disorders from sleep pattern somebody. This matter will cause a decrease in the quality of sleep which has an impact on the health and safety of the sufferer.

Sleep disturbances can be characterized by feeling sleepy during the day, difficulty falling asleep at night, or irregular sleep and wake cycles. Sleep disorders that are not handled properly can increase the risk of various other diseases, such as hypertension and heart disease.

type and Causes of Sleep Disorders

There are various kinds of sleep disorders, depending on the form of the disorder or its symptoms. Below are some of the most common types of sleep disorders:

1. Insomnia

2. Hypersomnia

3. Sleep walking

Sleepwalking disease (sleepwalking) has the medical term somnabulism. People with this condition often wake up, walk, or perform various activities while they are asleep, but they are not aware of what they are doing. This condition can be experienced by adults as well as children.

4. Nightmare (nightmare)

5. Sleep terror (sleeping terror)

Symptoms of Sleep Disorders

There are various symptoms experienced by someone who suffers from sleep disorders, including:

  • Waking up and going to bed at irregular times.
  • Difficulty sleeping at night.
  • The limbs that move without command when they want to fall asleep.
  • Breathing at an abnormal rhythm during sleep.
  • Having nightmares, fears, screaming, or walking while sleeping.
  • Snoring, choking, gritting your teeth, or stopping breathing for a moment, while sleeping.
  • Often wakes up while asleep and has difficulty falling back asleep.
  • Feeling unable to move your body when you wake up.
  • Often sleepy during the day, so that you can suddenly fall asleep at unnatural times, for example while driving.
  • Tingling or feeling a sensation that radiates to the hands and feet.
  • Muscles feel weak or feel tired often.

When hcurrent to dokter

A person needs to see a doctor if they experience sleep disorders that have interfered with daily activities. Here are things to watch out for and consult a doctor:

  • Fall asleep while driving.
  • Difficulty staying awake while watching television or reading a book.
  • Difficulty concentrating at school, work, or at home.
  • Decreased performance at work or school.
  • It's hard to remember things.
  • Slow to respond to things.

Sleep Disorder Diagnosis

The doctor will ask the patient's sleep pattern. The question can be about the duration of sleep, whether you often wake up while sleeping, and whether you often fall asleep when you are active during the day. In addition, the doctor can ask about the patient's sleeping habits to the patient's roommate or family.

The doctor will also ask if the sufferer has emotional problems, has or is currently suffering from certain diseases, or is using drugs that can reduce sleep quality.

After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination including examining the patient's respiratory tract, such as the nose, mouth, or throat.

Next, the doctor can perform a series of supporting examinations, such as:

  • Polysomnography or sleep study, to analyze oxygen levels, body movements, and brain waves during sleep.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG), to measure electrical activity in the brain.
  • Blood tests, to diagnose certain diseases that can cause sleep disturbances.
  • CT scan, to look for possible abnormalities in the brain that cause sleep disturbances.

Sleep Disorder Treatment

There are different ways to treat sleep disorders, depending on the cause. Below are some types of treatment that can be done to treat sleep disorders:

1. Lifestyle changes

Basically, the application of a healthy lifestyle can improve the quality of one's sleep. Some forms of a healthy lifestyle that can be done are:

  • Eat more fibrous foods, such as vegetables and fruits.
  • Limiting sugar intake by reducing consumption of sweet snacks.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Manage stress well.
  • Make a daily sleep schedule and stick to it with discipline.
  • Reduce caffeine consumption, especially in the afternoon and evening.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Stop using cellphones at least 30 minutes before going to bed to avoid the negative impact of cellphones on sleep quality
  • Do not smoke.
  • Stay away from the habit of sleeping all day on holidays, because it can change sleep patterns on weekdays.

2. Psychotherapy

One example of psychotherapy that can be done is cognitive behavioral therapy to change the mindset of people with sleep disorders.

3. Use of special tools when sleeping

In people with hypersomnia, doctors may recommend the use of special equipment while sleeping. The device consists of an oxygen mask connected to a device called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP therapy is useful for keeping the airways open.

4. Medicines

Medications commonly given by psychiatrists to treat sleep disorders include:

  • Sedative
  • Antidepressant drugs

Complications of Sleep Disorders

There are several complications that can occur when a person suffers from sleep disorders, including:

  • Decreased libido.
  • The appearance of wrinkles and eye bags.
  • Often forget.
  • Weight gain.
  • Decreased concentration, reasoning abilities, and problem solving, making it difficult to make decisions.
  • Decreased performance in school or performance at work.
  • Mental disorders, such as depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Accidents while working or driving, due to decreased alertness.
  • Increased risk of developing diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

Sleep Disorder Prevention

Sleep disturbances can be prevented in the following ways:

  • Creates an environment for good sleep.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes.
  • Doesn't work until late at night.
  • Sleep on a schedule.
  • Exercise regularly.