Sleep Disorders: An Overview of Causes and Treatments
Sleep disorders can negatively impact one’s quality of life and overall health. The most common types include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disorders. Let’s explore each in more detail.
Insomnia
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both (CDC, 2022). It affects approximately 30% of adults worldwide (Roth et al., 2016). Stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors like irregular sleep schedules and substance use can all contribute to insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep restriction therapy are first-line treatments shown to be effective (Qaseem et al., 2016). Medications may also help in the short-term.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway and disrupting breathing. It is estimated that over 25 million Americans have OSA (Young et al., 2022). Risk factors include obesity, large neck size, and family history. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard treatment, using a mask and machine to keep airways open (Patil et al., 2019).
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. It is thought to affect 5-10% of adults (Allen et al., 2016). RLS often co-occurs with other conditions like iron deficiency, end-stage kidney disease, and pregnancy. Medications like dopamine agonists and opioids can help manage symptoms.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy involves excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy). It is a neurological disorder affecting around 1 in 2,000 people (Kotagal et al., 2015). Narcolepsy is treated with stimulant medications, sodium oxybate at night, and lifestyle modifications.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Disorders of the body’s internal clock, such as delayed sleep phase disorder, can disrupt sleep-wake cycles. They are associated with conditions like blindness and shift work (Czeisler, 2016). Behavioral therapies aim to resynchronize circadian rhythms through light exposure, scheduled sleep-wake times, and melatonin use.
In summary, sleep disorders are common yet treatable conditions. Consulting a sleep specialist can help determine the cause and best treatment approach for an individual’s needs.
References
Allen, R. P., Chen, C., Garcia-Borreguero, D., & Earley, C. J. (2016). Restless legs syndrome: Diagnostic criteria, special considerations, and epidemiology. A report from the restless legs syndrome diagnosis and epidemiology workshop at the National Institutes of Health. Sleep medicine, 17, S2-S10.
CDC. (2022, March 17). Insomnia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/insomnia.html
Czeisler, C. A. (2016). Casting light on sleep deficiency. Nature, 537(7618), S56-S57.
Kotagal, S., Alvarez, L. I., DuBeau, C. E., Koepp, E. A., Liu, Y., Mignot, E., … & Silber, M. H. (2015). The treatment of narcolepsy. Sleep, 38(12), 1875-1885.
Patil, S. P., Ayappa, I. A., Caples, S. M., Kimoff, R. J., Patel, S. R., & Harrod, C. G. (2019). Treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea with positive airway pressure: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. Journal of clinical sleep medicine, 15(02), 335-343.
Qaseem, A., Kansagara, D., Forciea, M. A., Cooke, M., & Denberg, T. D. (2016). Management of chronic insomnia disorder in adults: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of internal medicine, 165(2), 125-133.
Roth, T., Coulouvrat, C., Hajak, G., Lakoma, M. D., Sampson, N. A., Shahly, V., … & Kessler, R. C. (2011). Prevalence and perceived health associated with insomnia based on DSM-IV-TR; International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision; and Research Diagnostic Criteria/International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Second Edition criteria: results from the America Insomnia Survey. Biological psychiatry, 69(6), 592-600.
Young, T., Rabago, D., Zgierska, A., Austin, D., & Laurel, F. (2022). Objective and subjective measures of sleepiness and sleep in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep, 2022.
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