Sleep disturbances affect nearly everyone at some point. They occur when you have problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep.
Some common types of sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia - difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Sleep apnea - breathing interruptions during sleep
- Restless leg syndrome - urge to move legs when lying down
- Narcolepsy - falling asleep unexpectedly during the day
What causes sleep disturbances?
Sleep problems can be caused by various factors, such as:
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Medications or substances like caffeine/alcohol
- Underlying health conditions like chronic pain
- Environmental factors like noise, light, or uncomfortable sleep surface
Sleep disturbances can negatively impact your health and quality of life. Potential effects include:
- Fatigue, lack of energy, drowsiness during the day
- Problems with concentration, memory, or mood
- Increased errors or accidents
- Weakened immune system
If you're struggling with sleep issues, Hormone Health Institute can help. We specialize in using bioidentical hormone therapy to address hormone imbalances that disrupt sleep. Our personalized plans also incorporate lifestyle changes to improve sleep naturally without medication side effects.
To alleviate
sleep disorders, these self-help tips may help:
- Follow a regular sleep-wake schedule
- Limit daytime naps to 30 minutes
- Develop a calming pre-bed routine
- Limit caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime
- Make your sleep environment cool, dark and quiet
- Shut off electronics 1 hour before bed
- Exercise regularly, but not too soon before bed
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
When self-help tips aren't enough,
see your doctor. They can evaluate your sleep issues, screen for underlying problems, and offer personalized treatment plans like:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - changes thought patterns
- Sleep medicine - short-term sleep aid medication
- Wake therapy - resolves sleep phase issues
- Light therapy - realigns circadian rhythms
Untreated chronic
sleep disorders increase your risk for medical problems like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and heart disease. So don't ignore ongoing sleep disturbances - seek help early. With today's treatment options, most people find relief and better sleep.