Different Types of Sleep Disorders and Associated Consequences

Millions of people are affected by sleep disorders each day. Any type of disruptive sleep pattern can have a devastating effect on one’s health and reduce their level of productivity throughout the day. Financial and emotional distress is a common cause of sleep deprivation and disruption.



Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. People who are at risk include those who are susceptible to anxiety, stress, physical illness, and depression. Other factors that may influence patterns of rest include alcohol, caffeine, heavy tobacco usage, and certain medications. In addition, a poor resting environment such as excessive lighting or noise can considerably affect one’s ability to get the proper amount of rest that their body requires.



Sleeping too much is also a disorder that can dramatically affect one’s performance throughout the day. Excessive sleepiness is called hypersomnia. People who suffer from hypersomnia may experience a constant state of fatigue and have problems staying awake. Narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome are common among those who suffer from hypersomnia.



Abnormal behaviors that disrupt sleeping patterns include night terrors and sleep-walking. These behaviors cause people to wake up throughout the night and may also cause episodes of insomnia as the person may have trouble falling back asleep after being awakened. REM sleep-behavior disorders cause people to "act out" their dreams so violently that they can cause injury to a person who may be near them.



Another disorder occurs when individuals find it difficult to stick to a regular sleeping pattern. Disruption disorders may largely affect persons traveling in different time zones or nighttime shift workers who may find it difficult to get proper rest during the day. These people may experience problems such as constant fatigue or drowsiness because they are unable to stick to a consistent sleep and wake schedule.



Establishing a regular resting schedule, exercising regularly, and trying to maintain a quiet environment may help prevent problems falling and staying asleep. If no relief is experienced after these techniques have been used, medication may be utilized to treat severe cases. Sleep medicine specialists in Walnut Creek, CA

are available to help find the right medication for any person suffering from one or more of these types of disorders.



Sleeping is just as important to a person’s health as diet and exercise. Deprivation may also be the cause of serious conditions such as depression and anger issues. Driving accidents, poor job performance, relationship problems and other devastating consequences such as these can result from inadequate amounts of rest and should be managed properly with self-care techniques and/or medication.



Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about Aamir Faruqui in Walnut Creek CA, visit http://www.lifescript.com/doctor-directory/index.aspx.