Sleep disturbances - HormoneHarmony

What are sleep disturbances?

Sleep disturbances are disruptions to natural sleep patterns that can negatively impact health and daytime functioning. Common types of sleep disturbances include:

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Sleep apnea: Brief pauses in breathing during sleep that disrupt normal sleep cycles
• Restless leg syndrome: Unpleasant sensations in the legs that create an urge to move them
• Circadian rhythm disorders: Misalignment between internal body clock and external environment that affects sleep timing

Sleep disturbances can be caused by various factors like stress, underlying health conditions, medications, or inconsistent sleep routines. Symptoms may include fatigue, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and impaired work performance.

Treating the underlying cause is key to managing sleep disturbances. Lifestyle changes like sticking to a regular sleep-wake schedule, limiting caffeine, creating a restful bedroom environment, and winding down before bed can also help. For some conditions like sleep apnea, specific medical devices or therapies may be necessary.

Consulting a doctor is advisable if sleep disturbances persist for over 2-4 weeks and interfere with daily activities, as an underlying condition may need diagnosis and treatment. Maintaining healthy sleep is vital for both physical and mental wellbeing.