Sleep disorder is a condition that does not allow one to enjoy a sound sleep. This is becoming increasingly common, with about 70 million people in the country suffering from one or more types of sleep disorders. Stress, anxiety, and allergies are the premiere reasons behind the problem, although chronic pain can also cause sleeping issues. Daytime fatigue, sleepiness, and weight gain are three trademark symptoms of such conditions.

Besides reducing the quality of life, sleep disorders can also increase the risk of other health problems. Hence, it’s important to diagnose the condition early and understand the type of sleep disorder. In this article, we’ll be looking at a few of the most common types of the condition.

Insomnia

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder. It is generally caused due to stress, certain medications, or a traumatic event, and is likely to affect women more than men. Unrefreshing sleep and frequent mood changes, along with fatigue, are common symptoms of insomnia.

A combination of medication and lifestyle changes can prove useful in treating this disorder. Eszopiclone (Lunesta) and Zolpidem (Ambien) are two prescription medications commonly given to insomnia patients. Besides, lavender, cedarwood, and sandalwood can induce sleep and help combat insomnia.

Narcolepsy

This rare type of sleep disorder affects 1 in 2000 people in the country. Excessive daytime sleepiness is the defining symptom of this condition. Many patients may also experience loss of muscle tone and frequent hallucinations. Narcolepsy is generally accompanied by one or more sleep disorders, making life even more challenging for patients.

Experts and researchers aren’t sure what causes narcolepsy. The condition cannot be cured, and medications can only manage symptoms. Therefore, people suffering from the disorder must always be monitored, as they’re susceptible to frequent issues at home and work.

Parasomnias

The disorder is characterized by unusual behavior during sleep. A person with parasomnias may be seen sleepwalking, having nightmares, and waking up suddenly from sleep. Other common symptoms of this disorder include fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and strange cuts on the body. Stress, PTSD, and certain neurological conditions are possible causes of parasomnia.

Treatment of this disorder varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. Dopamine agonists and melatonin are two medications commonly prescribed for parasomnia patients. In case that doesn’t work, the doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Also called Willis-Ekbom disease, RLS is a disorder marked by the urge to move one’s legs. It is triggered by a strange sensation in the legs, which feels like a needle pinching the body. The person finds instant relief after having moved their legs. Doctors aren’t sure what causes RLS, although it can be passed through genes or acquired through pregnancy.

Medications that increase dopamine, such as ropinirole (Requip) and pramipexole (Mirapex), are generally recommended for managing RLS. Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are also safe to consume for RLS.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is one of the more severe types of sleep disorders marked by difficulty in breathing during sleep. It can cause long-term issues such as heart problems. Three common types of the condition include obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. Loud snoring, morning headache, and pauses in breathing during sleep are the main symptoms of sleep apnea.

The condition can affect anyone and is caused due to various factors like neck circumference, heart disorders, and nasal congestion. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common method used for treating this condition.