What are sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders cause persistent problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping on a regular schedule. A sleep disorder can deprive you of good-quality, satisfying sleep. It can affect your daytime life too because of a lack of adequate rest.
There are over 100 sleep disorders, but the most common are:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Central sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Insomnia disorder
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
Sleep disorders often arise with other conditions, like anxiety or heart disorders. However, they can also develop as stand-alone issues without connection to other problems.
Regardless of your symptoms or primary concerns from a sleep disorder, the CHW Cares team can perform assessments and help you get a better night’s sleep.
What are some common signs of a sleep disorder?
Since sleep disorders affect your sleep, there are some symptoms you might not notice on your own, depending on the type you have. A partner or someone who sleeps nearby might report certain symptoms to you, or you might see other signs during the day.
Symptoms associated with the most prevalent sleep disorders are:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Awakening during the night
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Falling asleep at inappropriate times
- Problems with memory, cognition, and work performance
- Irritability
- Breathing pauses during sleep
If the CHW Cares team suspects you have a sleep disorder, they might recommend sleep studies and other tests, like an electroencephalogram (EEG), to test various parameters and gather more information.
How can I manage my sleep disorders?
Managing your sleep disorder involves an individualized treatment plan according to your specific condition and primary symptoms. Your treatment may consist of:
Medications
Medications and supplements like sleeping pills, allergy medications, or melatonin supplements can help regulate your sleep cycle and sleep peacefully through the night. The team at CHW Cares offers medication management for various sleep disorders.
Lifestyle changes
Making some simple changes to your routine can have a positive effect on your sleeping habits. Some suggestions include limiting caffeine, avoiding naps during the day, and decreasing alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Oral appliance therapy
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that dental professionals can provide. They give you an oral appliance custom fit to the shape of your mouth, which holds your airway open as you sleep for better breathing.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
CPAP is a therapy to improve nighttime breathing if you have central, obstructive, or combination sleep apnea. A machine with a tube and mask uses air pressure to keep your airways open at night.
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