More and more people are suffering from sleep disorders. In Germany alone, around 6 out of 100 people are said to be affected by sleep problems. Tiredness, reduced concentration and headaches can be serious consequences. Even if sleep disorders seem harmless at first, they can endanger our health. This article is all about sleep disorders, how they affect our bodies and how to get rid of them.
What do you mean by sleep disorders?
sleep disorders refer to a number of different problems related to sleep quality. These include, for example, difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. However, nocturnal states of anxiety, frequent nightmares and parasomnias can also be summarized under this term. However, almost all of us have had bad or restless nights at some point. However, this does not mean that one suffers directly from a sleep disorder. One speaks of sleep disorders only when the affected person has been exposed to nocturnal restlessness for more than a month. In technical jargon, sleep disorders are also referred to as insomnia. However, not every sleep problem is insomnia. Specifically, one speaks of insomnia when the person is affected by the problems at least three times a week for several weeks as a result, has poor sleep quality and the consequences of the sleep disturbance lead to restrictions the next day.
More and more people suffer from sleep disorders
Insomnia is becoming an increasingly serious problem as more and more people struggle to get a decent night's rest. While the reasons for this vary from person to person, there are numerous factors that contribute to this problem. For one thing, technology has had a major impact on our lifestyle. Our bodies are constantly exposed to artificial light, Wi-Fi signals, and blue light emanating from screens. This can mess up our body clock and prevent us from getting enough sleep. In addition, we have more and more to do. We're trying to keep up with a workload that seems never-ending, or we're worried about personal or work commitments. The Oberberg also shows that stress and excessive demands can lead to sleep problems Sleep and stress monitor-Study.
How do sleep disorders affect our bodies
It is well known that sleep problems have a negative effect on our body. However, very few people know how dangerous sleep problems really are:
Insomnia can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
Sleep disorders have serious health consequences, especially for the cardiovascular system. Research has shown that people who suffer from insomnia have a higher risk of developing heart problems, strokes and other life-threatening diseases. This is because if the quality of sleep is insufficient, the body's stress response is disrupted and blood pressure rises.
Sleep disorders affect our immune system
Sleep disorders can have dramatic effects on our immune system. Research has proven that people struggling with insomnia often have a weakened immune system. When a person doesn't get enough sleep, the hormones in our immune system become unbalanced, affecting the body's ability to fight infection and disease. Inadequate rest also activates fewer stress-fighting cells, further weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of diseases like colds and flu.
Untreated sleep disorders lead to mental illness
The psyche is also affected by sleep disorders. Without proper and timely treatment, sleep disorders can have a negative impact on mental well-being. From lack of energy to irritability to depression and anxiety. Sleep deprivation not only puts the body under extreme physical but also emotional stress, which can lead to symptoms that even worsen existing mental illnesses. Therefore, it is important to recognize sleep disorders before they cause physical or psychological problems.
Can you treat sleep problems yourself?
Sleep problems can be incredibly frustrating, but luckily there are ways to treat them naturally. One of the most important points is that sufferers establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. For example, they should avoid stimulants like caffeine and try to relax their bodies before bed with light stretching or light reading. In addition, plenty of natural light and regular physical activity during the day help get the body's internal clock going again. If the measures mentioned do not lead to the desired effect, you should immediately consult a doctor or specialist who will help to get the problems under control.
How are sleep disorders diagnosed?
The diagnosis of sleep disorders can't just be put like that. It is often a lengthy process. In many cases, however, the path to diagnosis begins with something relatively simple—keeping a sleep diary. Sleep diaries are records of sleeping habits that can help identify potential problems such as dangerous daytime sleepiness or difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep through the night. If keeping a sleep diary points to potential problems, the next step may be to record sleep at a sleep lab. This will give you better insight into any issues that may be interfering with restful sleep.
Treatment options for sleep disorders
There are many treatment options for those struggling with sleep disorders. Relaxation methods like meditation or gentle yoga can help gain mental clarity and reduce stress. Natural remedies like chamomile or lavender can also help calm the mind and help with insomnia. When all else fails, sometimes taking sleeping pills is the last resort to restore a good sleep pattern and regulate the body's natural rhythms. However, the treatment options should always be discussed with the doctor treating you so that they lead to success.
01/12/2023