If you’re dealing with a sleep disorder like insomnia or sleep apnea, then you know the struggle of getting no sleep and being tired all day. It’s a daily battle that many people in the U.S. have to deal with that affects their work life, their home life, and their focus on important activities. Just doing a minor task can feel like an impossible undertaking. There are many treatments and at-home remedies to help you sleep better, but in this blog we’re going to focus on what causes sleep disorders. Is there something you’re doing that causes it? Can you prevent loss of sleep? In some cases yes – sleep troubles can be prevented – but not every cause is within your control. For instance, sleep apnea is caused by the the airways getting blocked during sleep, keeping you from getting a full night’s rest. Because of that, the body is under an immense amount of stress, leading to heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. In short, sleep disorders ain’t no joke.
What Causes Sleep Disorders?
So let’s talk about what causes sleep disorders first, then we’ll get into solutions. There are several causes to look out for – some preventable, some not-so-much (more so on the not-so-much side). Just keep an eye out so you can do the most for your health.
Constant pain
When your body is going through continuous pain (e.g. arthritis) it can be hard to find enough peace to fall asleep. Other examples include headaches, fibromyalgia, and back pain. It’s also believed, according to Healthline, “chronic pain may even be exacerbated by sleep disorders. For instance, doctors believe the development of fibromyalgia might be linked to sleeping problems.” (Roddick and Cherney, 2016).
A no-sleep environment
TV on in the background? Kids screaming in the background? Looking at your phone just before you go to bed? Spouse snoring too loud? Train in the background? Sirens? All of these things can keep you from getting adequate sleep, leading you to daytime fatigue, crankiness, and the need for a nap at all times. This one you have some control over.
Health issues
Whether it’s a cold or flu or something more long-term like asthma, these conditions have an effect on your breathing at night. If it’s a temporary respiratory condition like a cold, flu, or sinus infection then getting treatment for those will naturally help you with sleep as well. In terms of asthma, consult your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping.
Depression and anxiety
A large amount of stress can lead to insomnia. If you’re able to fall asleep, it may wake you in the middle of the night. Anxiety and stress are also known to cause physical symptoms including pain, so that could also have an effect on rest. Consult your doctor about the anxiety and depression to find proper diagnosis and solutions. If you think you might have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, call us at the Ear, Nose and Throat Institute and schedule a same-day appointment. We offer at-home and in-office sleep studies and sleep disorder treatment. Just call 770-740-1860 or fill out the form at the top of the page. To learn more about sleep studies and our innovative sleep apnea treatment, watch the videos below. For more information regarding sleep apnea treatment, fill out the form to the right. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmN5Jay7790https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hYHEk-ghog
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