What is sleep disturbances?
Sleep disturbances are common issues that can negatively impact your sleep quality and quantity. They involve problems falling and staying asleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue and impaired functioning. Some key facts about sleep disturbances:
- Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disturbance, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Short-term insomnia lasts less than 3 months, while long-term insomnia persists for over 3 months.
- Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. The most common is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway collapses during sleep.
- Restless leg syndrome involves an uncomfortable tingling or urge to move the legs when lying down, disrupting sleep onset.
- Circadian rhythm disorders like delayed sleep phase occur when your internal clock is misaligned with desired sleep/wake times.
Sleep disturbances have many potential causes including:
- Stress and anxiety
- Underlying health issues like heart disease, asthma, hyperthyroidism
- Medications like stimulants, steroids, or antidepressants
- Poor sleep habits like inconsistent bedtimes, screen use before bed
The effects of ongoing sleep disturbances include:
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating and impaired cognition
- Irritability and mood changes
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of accidents and errors
If you're struggling with sleep disturbances, talk to your doctor. They can check for underlying issues and recommend treatment approaches like:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to target thoughts/behaviors that disrupt sleep
- Sleep medication like sedatives or melatonin for short-term relief
- Prescription devices like CPAP machines for sleep apnea
- Improving sleep hygiene through regular bedtimes, limiting screens, etc.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic, we also know that hormone imbalances can contribute to sleep issues. Our expert clinicians offer cutting-edge hormone testing and replacement therapies to help patients restore hormonal balance. Rebalancing key hormones like melatonin, cortisol and estrogen can improve sleep quality and treat disturbances. Contact us today to learn more about our sleep and hormone optimization programs!