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SLEEP DISORDERS/ INSOMNIA

Sleep Disorder And Management

Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect our ability
to sleep on a regular basis. The human body is programmed to work in
the day and sleep at night. Any imbalance in this fine balance can lead
to a disturbed sleep pattern and a feeling of tiredness
and irritation the next day.

Sleep Disorder/Insomnia

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The sleep cycle is governed by a hormone called melatonin.It’s levels go up at night and reduce in the day. This cycle can be disrupted by change of time zones due to travel or exposure to artificial light for prolonged periods.

While we all experience the occasional night of disturbed sleep, some people experience insomnia, which can be difficulty in falling asleep, waking up repeatedly at night or waking up early. Insomniacs feel unrefreshed the next day and they may feel sleepy, irritable or unable to concentrate.

What are the reasons for insomnia?

There can be many reasons for insomnia

  • Stress
  • Change of time zones
  • Prolonged exposure to artificial light
  • Some medicines can also disrupt the sleep cycle. These can commonly include some medicines for treating hypertension, asthma, anti-depressants and steroids.
  • Working night shifts
  • Too much tea, coffee and nicotine
  • Psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia

Common complications that can arise from sleep disorder

  • Fatigue in the day time
  • Raised blood pressure and heart problems
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • High cholesterol
  • Hepatic/liver problems
  • Affected relationships because it leads to sleep-deprived partners

How do I know that I have a sleep disorder?

People with sleep disorders can have one or more of these symptoms-

  • Difficulty in falling asleep
  • Getting up frequently at night
  • Waking up feeling unrefreshed
  • Irritation
  • Lack of concentration
  • Feeling sleepy in the daytime
  • Depression or anxiety

What are the measures that can help in promoting good sleep?

Some simple measure can help you I case you’re unable to fall asleep

  • Turn off all electronic devices at bedtime, even reading devices can be distracting due to the backlight. A simple book or soothing music might work better
  • Have dinner at least two hours prior to bedtime.
  • Avoid tea and coffee after the evening.
  • Meditation and breathing exercises can also be beneficial.

When to meet the doctor

If these measures don’t help or the lack of sleep is affecting your daytime activities, it might be a good idea to take your doctor’s opinion.

How is a sleep disorder managed?

  • To diagnose the cause of your sleep disorder, the doctor might as you about your lifestyle, check your blood pressure and advise some basic investigations to see your level of general health Do be sure to share any information regarding any medicines you might be taking, including herbal supplements.
  • Sometimes, a sleep study might be advised where the doctor might observe your sleep pattern and record your brain activity with electrodes. This involves a night’s stay at a sleep center.
  • To treat insomnia, generally a combination of lifestyle changes, cognitive behavior therapy and some medicines for sleep might be prescribed. These could include anti- anxiety medicines, anti- depressants and melatonin.
  • Cognitive behavior therapy involves working with a counselor to overcome the negative emotions that are triggering or being generated due to the insomnia. It can involve learning relaxation techniques, maintaining a sleep diary and other measures that help in positive re-programming the mind towards a restful night’s sleep.

Sleep disorders can be easily managed with counseling and medical measures. It’s important to realize that it is a medical condition and that treatment options are available.

We advocate getting medical advice and supervision before starting any treatment regime.