The fast pace of modern life sometimes makes it difficult to stop and rest. It can make getting a good night's sleep consistently seem impossible. However, sleep is just as important for health as diet and exercise. Sleep enhances brain performance, mood, and health.
While we fall asleep, our brain is still awake. But sleeping helps prepare our brain to remember, learn and create situations better. It is a belief that our brain has a drainage system that removes toxins during sleep.
When we sleep, the brain changes its function. The brain uses sleep as a medium to remove toxins during sleep so that the brain works faster. Sleep works as a repair mode for removing toxins during the process.
Neurologists have seen many patients of all ages who suffer from various sleep disorders. These disorders can significantly impact a person's overall health and well-being.
One of the most common sleep disorders is insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep. Various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, and certain medications, can cause this. Insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and reduced productivity, harming mental and physical health.
Sleep apnea, which is caused by interruptions in breathing while sleeping, is another common sleep disorder. This can cause snoring, gasping, or choking sounds at night, as well as fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating during the day. Sleep apnea can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Restless leg syndrome is another common sleep disorder characterised by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, causing a strong urge to move them. This can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep, resulting in fatigue and irritability during the day.
Narcolepsy is a less common sleep disorder marked by uncontrollable bouts of sleep during the day. This is especially dangerous when driving or operating heavy machinery.
Sleep disturbances are common in children aged 7 to 13. Again, from the ages of 15 to 35, sleep disturbances are caused by high workload pressure, exam pressure, and family issues. Moreover, sleep disturbances are more in adult women between 26 till 42.
Half of them report sleep disturbances during their menstrual period, and they also have hot flashes at night. Lack of sleep disrupts conjugal life, and as a result, married couples' relationships face numerous challenges. Learning how the internal clock and sleep drive communicate will help them maintain quality sleep as they get age.
Many people with sleep apnea benefit from using a device called a CPAP machine. These devices keep your airway open so you can breathe. Other treatments may include custom mouthguards and a change in lifestyle.
Finally, parasomnias are a category of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking, night terrors, and REM sleep behavioral disorders. These behaviors can disrupt the individual and their bed partner and can cause injuries or accidents.
If you cannot find the right answers to your problems, you must see a neurologist. Seeing one will ease your sleep disorders ad sleep is as important for good health as diet and exercise.
The author of this article is Dr Kunal Bahrani, Director Neurology Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.