Sleep disorders: two most common sleep disorders you should know about

Sleeping disorders are a group of conditions that affect the ability to sleep well regularly. Whether they are caused by a health problem or by too much stress, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common in the United States. More than one-third of adults trusted sources in the United States report getting fewer than 7 hours of sleep in 24 hours. More than 70 percent trusted Source of high school students reports getting fewer than 8 hours of sleep on weeknights. Most people occasionally experience sleeping problems due to stress, hectic schedules, and other outside influences. However, when these issues begin to occur regularly and interfere with daily life, they may indicate a sleeping disorder. Depending on the type of sleep disorder, people may have a difficult time falling asleep and may feel extremely tired throughout the day. The lack of sleep can hurt energy, mood, concentration, and overall health.

In some cases, sleep disorders can be a symptom of another medical or mental health condition. These sleeping problems may eventually go away once treatment is obtained for the underlying cause. When sleeping disorders aren’t caused by another condition, treatment normally involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes. It’s important to receive a diagnosis and treatment right away if you suspect you might have a sleep disorder. When left untreated, the negative effects of sleep disorders can lead to further health consequences. They can also affect your performance at work, cause strain in relationships, and impair your ability to perform daily activities.

What are the different types of sleep disorders?

There are many different types of sleep disorders. Some may be caused by other underlying health conditions.

Insomnia

Insomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep. It can be caused by jet lag, stress, and anxiety, hormones, or digestive problems. It may also be a symptom of another condition. Insomnia can be problematic for your overall health and quality of life, potentially causing:

  . depression

  . difficulty concentrating

  . irritability

  . weight gain

  . Impaired work or school performance

  . Unfortunately, insomnia is extremely common. Up to 50 percent of American adults experience it at some point in their lives.

The disorder is most prevalent among older adults and women. Insomnia is usually classified as one of three types:

  . chronic, when insomnia happens regularly for at least 1 month

  . intermittent, when insomnia occurs periodically

  . transient, when insomnia lasts for just a few nights at a time

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This is a serious medical condition that causes the body to take in less oxygen. It can also cause you to wake up during the night. Obstructive sleep apnea, where the flow of air stops because airway space is obstructed or too narrow, and central sleep apnea, where there is a problem in the connection between the brain and the muscles that control your breath.

These were some of the prominent sleeping disorders.