It’s 3 am and you’re wide awake. No idea why you’re up at that hour. Tired and yet, unable to go to sleep. The more you try to go to sleep, the wider awake you are. This vicious cycle is unfortunately so common that the science of sleep is gaining much interest. Beyond insomnia there are several other sleep disorders that prevent us from getting a good night’s much needed rest.
Sleep disorders
The most common sleep disorder is insomnia: 1 in 3 adults suffer from insomnia symptoms and 10% of the global population meet the criteria to be classified as suffering from insomnia disorder.
Sleep disorders also include Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Parasomnias, Narcolepsy, and Restless Leg Syndrome and Circadian Rhythm Disorders.
Insomnia has struck all of us at some point in our lives. The tossing and turning at night should be warning enough that you are not sleeping as well as you should. If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep, find it hard to stay asleep or find yourself waking up way too early – these are all classic symptoms.
So what causes insomnia? Stress is a major contributor, with anxiety equally to blame. Lifestyle factors (too much caffeine or alcohol before bed, jet lag, shifts and so on), a poor sleeping environment (uncomfortable mattress, bright surroundings, too hot, too cold etc.) are also contributing factors. Mental health conditions (schizophrenia and depression for example), can cause insomnia too.
Reasons for Obstructive Sleep Apnea range from obesity, narrowed airway (which could be an inherited factor), and thick neck circumference. Smoking, use of alcohol, sedatives, etc. being male, being older, are also contributing factors.
Ever walked in your sleep? Talked out aloud in your dreams? Wake up confused? Those who suffer from Parasomnias exhibit these symptoms. Parasomnias have been linked to psychiatric disorders like PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Restless Legs Syndrome is linked to underlying health conditions such as anaemia, kidney disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, or underactive thyroid.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder will cause your body’s internal clock to be out of sync with your environment, messing up your sleep-wake cycle.
Affecting the brain’s ability to control the sleep-wake cycle, narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder. It is characterised by daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, cataplexy and sleep paralysis.
The science of sleep
What is sleep? Scientists have been interested in sleep research since the 18th Century.
American sleep researcher and founder of the Sleep Research Center at Stanford University, William Charles Dement is known as the Father of Sleep Studies. Polysomnography aka sleep studies is now commonly used by medical practitioners to diagnose sleep problems.
Fortunately, the medical field is Intent on finding much needed solutions to the sleep problems plaguing people of all ages, the world over, and much research is ongoing. This is good news indeed for the millions of sleepless souls.
Why is sleep so important to us humans? The lack of sleep can lead to an endless loop of misery – the results of poor sleep will then continue to keep you awake. From obesity, to heart disease, strokes and dementia, not getting good sleep will not only leave you feeling exhausted, in its wake are much more serious repercussions in tow. A relaxing night’s sleep at night will improve your health, mood and performance.
From relaxation techniques such as meditation, to habit adjustments to lifestyle changes – you can do a lot on your own to help get a good night’s rest. While popping a pill is an option if you are impatient, addressing the underlying issues and resolving any medical conditions will undoubtedly go a long way towards leading a happy and healthy life.
(AK)