SLEEP DISORDER: How much sleep do we really need?

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SLEEP DISORDER

INTRODUCTION

The importance of sleep cannot be over emphasized as it is a basic human need and is critical to both physical and mental health.

Many of us experience trouble sleeping at one time or another, usually due to stress, travel, illness or temporary interruption to your normal routine.

Sleep disorders are conditions that result in changes in the way that you sleep. It can affect your overall health, safety and quality of life. Frequently having trouble sleeping can be a frustrating and debilitating experience, you sleep badly at night which leaves you feeling dead-tired in the morning and whatever energy you have quickly drains throughout the day.

In this article, we look forward to enlightening you with vital knowledge about Sleep disorder.

TYPES OF SLEEP DISORDER

🔥 INSOMNIA : Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or getting back to sleep after waking during the night. This is the most common sleep disorder. Insomnia is often a symptom of another problem such as stress, anxiety, depression or underlying health conditions. It can be caused by lifestyle choices like the medications you take, lack of exercise or even the amount of coffee you drink.

🔥 SLEEP APNEA : Is a sleep disorder in which your breathing temporarily stops during sleep due to the blockage of the upper airways. These pause in breathing interrupt your sleep leading to many awakening each hour, making one feel exhausted during the day, Irritable and depressed.

🔥 RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME : Is a sleep disorder that causes an almost Irresistible urge to move your legs . The urge to move occurs when you are resting or lying down and is usually due to uncomfortable tingling, aching or creeping sensation.

🔥 NARCOLEPSY :Is a sleep disorder that involves excessive uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. It is caused by a dysfunction of the brain mechanism that controls sleeping and waking. If you have narcolepsy you may have "sleep attack" while in the middle of talking , working, or even driving.

WHAT ARE SLEEPING PILLS

Sleeping pills are sometimes referred to as Hypnotic or Sedative drugs which cause the mind and body to relax so a person can fall asleep.

Some enter the body more gradually and regulate sleep throughout the night.

These drugs are used by people and individuals who can't fall asleep or stay asleep on their own.

If you feel you might need sleeping pills, first consult a doctor or a pharmacist who will first begin by trying to determine the things that contribute to and the length of your insomnia and whether or not sleeping pills will be of help to you.

DRUGS PEOPLE ABUSE IN ORDER "TO SLEEP"

The Commonest prescription Drugs people abuse in order to sleep are the Benzodiazepines(you may not be familiar with this but the examples of the drugs and brands you'll know are:) like :

Bromazepam (Talen®) I'm sure you're familiar with this . others are;

Diazepam (Valium®)

Lorazepam

Nitrazepam(Swidon®)

And even over the counter drugs like the common

Piriton®,

Loratadine, Fexet®.

Sleeping pills are usually prescribed for a maximum period of a week . Problems begin to arise when used over a long period of time and as such it is not advisable to use sleeping pills for a long time.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP DISORDER

1) Feel Irritable or sleepy during the day

2) Have difficulty staying awake when sitting, watching television or reading.

3) Fall asleep or feel very tired while driving.

4) Require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going.

5) Having an Irregular sleep and wake cycle.

6) Often get told by others that you look tired.

7) Have difficulty concentrating and trouble controlling your emotions.

8) React slowly and feel like you have to take a nap almost everyday.

9) Breathing in an unusual pattern or feeling an uncomfortable urge to move while you are trying to sleeping.

CAUSES OF SLEEP DISORDER

1) Physical disturbance for example chronic pain from arthritis, headaches

2) Medical issue for example asthma

3) Mental illness for example depression and anxiety

4) A lifestyle of taking alcohol and tobacco

5) Genetic neurological disorder

6) Some medications can interfere with sleep.

HOW TO PREVENT SLEEP DISORDER

1) Do not take caffeine drink later than early evenings.

2) Maintaining regularity about bedtime and wake up time.

3) Make your sleeping place comfortable ,be sure it is dark, quiet and cool.

4) Avoid eating and drinking heavily at least 3 hours before your bedtime.

5) Get regular exercise but try not to exercise close to your bedtime because it may stimulate you and make it hard to fall asleep.

6) Avoid smoking.

CONSEQUENCES OF LACK OF SLEEP

1) Excessive daytime sleepiness. It can make you very sleepy and tired during the day.

2) Impaired memory, lack of sleep can affect your ability to think, remember and process information.

3) You may become less likely to participate in normal daily activities or to exercise.

4) Greater likelihood for car accidents, drowsy driving accounts for thousands of crashes, injuries and fatalities.

5) Sleep deprivation can lead to serious Health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure.

6) It can make you feel moody.

SLEEP RECOMMENDATIONS

As emphasized on, sleep is a vital indicator of overall health and well-being. For many of us with sleep debt, we have forgotten what "being really, truly rested" feels like. Hence, the need to improve our healthy sleep habits and discuss any sleep disorder with medical professionals.

Below is the recommended sleep times by National Sleep Foundation.

Newborns(0-3months): 14-17 hours of sleep each day

Toddlers(1-2 yrs): 11-14 hours

Preschoolers(3-5 yrs): 10-13 hours

School age children (6-13 yrs): 9-11 hours

Teenagers(14-17 yrs): 8-10 hours

Younger adults(18-25 yrs): 7-9 hours

Adults(26-64 yrs): 7-9 hours

Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours

By : Edwin Meshack C. , Ehonwa Aisosa and Aghahowa James O.

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