One of the most basic human needs is sleep. We all need sleep to maintain optimal levels of health. Sleep affects our hormone levels, mood, and even our weight. However, getting good sleep is easier said than done. This is because not everyone can achieve sound sleep levels. This happens due to a variety of sleep disorders.
Thus, if you also have trouble sleeping, read on. Because in this blog, we will explore the most common types of sleep disorders and the individual remedies for each.
5 common sleep disorders and how to treat them:
Sleep disorders may be caused by stress, underlying health problems, or even due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Below are the most common sleep disorders people face, along with simple strategies to help you find relief.
Insomnia:
Insomnia is one of the most common types of sleep disorders. It affects around 30% of the world’s population. Insomnia is mostly caused by prolonged stress or even depression.
Sleep disturbance, more specifically insomnia, is defined by difficulty falling or staying asleep and thus, leading to insufficient rest. People living with insomnia also exhibit daytime fatigue and may have difficulties functioning when awake.
Remedies - To combat insomnia, try to create a consistent sleep schedule where you try to go to bed and also wake up at the same time every day. Establish an effective bedtime ritual such as reading or taking a hot bath; this will let your body know it's time for rest. Try to avoid stimulating activities, caffeine consumption, or electronics before bed. You can also try sleep music therapy by playing calming songs before you sleep with the Sona app.
Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea is a condition where people temporarily stop breathing during their sleep, leading to interrupted REM cycles and excessive daytime fatigue.
Sleep apnea may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstruction of the heart.
Remedies- It is best to consult a doctor if you feel like you have sleep apnea. You can also make lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on your side.
Restless legs syndrome:
Restless legs syndrome is another sleep disorder that causes an irresistible and intense urge to move the legs. This is also accompanied by uncomfortable sensations to the body like burning or tingling.
Restless leg syndrome is suspected to be hereditary. It may also be caused by low iron levels in the brain.
Remedies - To alleviate RLS symptoms, establish a regular sleep routine and engage in moderate exercise during the day. Avoid caffeine and nicotine, as they can worsen symptoms. Applying warm or cold packs, practicing relaxation techniques, and massaging your legs before bed may also provide relief
Narcolepsy:
Narcolepsy is a disorder of our nerves. It causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks. It is caused by a lack of Hypocretin, which is a brain chemical. This chemical regulates wakefulness in our bodies.
Remedies – There is no medical cure for narcolepsy. However, certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage its symptoms. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, taking short scheduled naps, and practicing good sleep hygiene can be beneficial. Avoiding heavy meals and stimulating activities close to bedtime may also aid in managing symptoms.
Sleepwalking:
Also known as somnambulism, sleepwalking is a condition where a person walks or performs complex activities while asleep. Sleepwalking may result from excessive fatigue. However, it is suspected to be hereditary.
Remedies - To reduce the occurrence of sleepwalking episodes, ensure a safe sleeping environment by removing obstacles and securing windows and doors in your home. Establish a relaxing bedtime ritual to improve the quality of sleep and reduce anxiety levels that could otherwise trigger sleepwalking. Stressful situations should also be minimized since this can contribute to sleepwalking episodes.
Final thoughts:
Sleep disorders are serious challenges to our well-being, yet there are strategies we can employ to ease their impact and promote better restful nights.
By adopting healthy sleeping habits and making lifestyle modifications, in addition to seeking professional assistance when necessary, we can gain control of our disorders and begin sleeping soundly once more.
Sleep music therapy is a powerful tool, where listening to science-backed calming music can help you fall asleep. Visit and download the Sona app to stream the best sleep music.
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