What will trigger a sleep disorder?
There are numerous reasons why people have sleep disorders that keep them from getting enough restful sleep.
Sometimes they are self-imposed, such as drinking too much alcohol or caffeine or staying awake long after normal bed time.
Other sleep disorders are caused by physical or mental issues that often can be treated successfully.
Whatever the cause, a sleep disorder can cost you dearly at home or at work. That lack of sleep can cause you to make a driving error, fall asleep at the office or lose your temper over a very minor matter.
As the Mayo Clinic put it: “Anyone can have an occasional poor night's sleep. But talk with your doctor or other healthcare professional if you regularly have trouble getting enough sleep, if you don't feel rested when you wake up or if you feel overly sleepy during the day.”
Risk factors
The causes of sleep disorders vary widely. They can be grouped according to behaviors, problems with your natural sleep-wake cycles, breathing problems, difficulty sleeping or how sleepy you feel during the day.
Some of the factors on the Mayo Clinic’s list of possible triggers for developing a sleep disorder:
• Age. “Some sleep disorders, such as bed-wetting, may be more common in children. Other sleep disorders are more common with older age”
• Genetics. Sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, sleepwalking and insomnia can be inherited traits.
• Physical health. The risk of a sleep disorder increases for people who are obese, or have cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and other serious health issues.
• Mental health: Depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health conditions can delay or hurt sleep patterns.
• Drugs: Some drugs – legal or recreational – can lead to sleep disorders.
• Changing schedules – for work or travel – can turn your sleep-wake cycle topsy turvy.
Be careful
Take these disorders seriously if they persist for more than a night or two.
“Untreated sleep disorders are linked with serious complications,” the Mayo Clinic warned. “These can include a higher risk or worsening of medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Sleep disorders also can affect mental health. And ongoing insomnia can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.”
To learn how to resolve sleep disorders, visit www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20354018
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