Sleep Disorders

Almost half of Americans report sleep-related problems—from minor sleep interruptions to chronic sleep disorders. That translates to roughly 162 million people attempting to drive safely and work efficiently on interrupted sleep or not enough sleep.

Many people experience occasional sleep problems due to stress or a busy schedule. However, if you're constantly tired and these issues disrupt your daily life, it could be a sign of a sleep disorder.

The consequences of sleep disorders can be significant. Not only can they leave you exhausted, but they can also negatively impact your energy, mood, concentration, and overall health.

If you or someone you love has a sleep disorder, our sleep disorder doctors can help. Contact us directly or continue reading to learn more.

Chronic Sleep Disorder Risks

Sleep interruptions are perfectly common. Stress, working late, jet lag, and countless other issues can temporarily interfere with our ideal sleep patterns. However, consistent sleep disruptions could indicate a sleep disorder.

People with sleep insufficiency are more susceptible to chronic diseases, including the following:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Obesity
• Cancer

Sleep Disorder Symptoms

Sleep disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Daytime fatigue
• Excessive napping
• Irritability or anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Depression

Causes of sleep disorders

Factors that contribute to sleep disorders include the following:

• Physical and mental conditions – Heartburn, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic muscle or joint pain, allergies, and respiratory problems, along with depression and anxiety disorders, can disrupt sleep.
• Environmental – Alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants will often interfere with the sleep cycle.
• Working the night shift – People who work at night often cannot sleep, even when they feel drowsy — their activities run contrary to their circadian rhythm.
• Medicines – Many medicines can interfere with sleep.
• Aging – About half of all adults over the age of 65 have some sort of sleep disorder.

Sleep Disorder Types: Explained

While occasional sleep problems are common, persistent issues can indicate a sleep disorder. These disorders come in various forms, each impacting your sleep in unique ways. Let's explore four common types: insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.

Insomnia: The Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. People with insomnia often wake up feeling unrested despite spending time in bed. This chronic sleep deprivation can significantly impact their daytime functioning.

Sleep Apnea: Disrupted Sleep from Breathing Problems

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to loud snoring, gasping for air, and frequent awakenings throughout the night. While someone with sleep apnea may not be aware of these interruptions, they often wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, consult with sleep apnea specialists or a CPAP doctor to discuss diagnosis and treatment options.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): Tingling or Prickly Sensation in The Legs Relieved by Moving

Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in the legs. RLS can significantly disrupt sleep and have a significant impact on an individual's overall well-being.

Narcolepsy: Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by extreme daytime sleepiness. Regardless of the situation, people with narcolepsy may experience sudden sleep attacks. They may also struggle with sleep paralysis, a state where they are awake but temporarily unable to move. This combination of disrupted nighttime sleep and sudden daytime sleepiness makes it difficult to function normally.

What are the Best Sleep Disorder Treatment Options?

Depending on the type of sleep disorder you have, a sleep medicine specialist may recommend personalized treatment that can include the following solutions:

• Sleeping pills or melatonin supplements
• Allergy or cold medication
• Medications for underlying health issues
• An assistive breathing device or surgery (usually for sleep apnea)
• A dental guard (usually for teeth grinding)

Making lifestyle adjustments can also improve your sleep quality, especially when combined with medical treatments. You may want to consider:

• Increasing vegetables and fish to your diet while reducing sugar intake
• Exercising to reduce stress and anxiety
• Establishing a regular sleeping schedule and sticking to it
• Drinking less water before bedtime
• Limiting caffeine intake, especially in the late afternoon or evening
• Cutting back on tobacco and alcohol use
• Eating smaller, low-carbohydrate meals before bedtime

Medical Treatments for Sleep Disorders

Depending on the cause of the sleep disorder, treatment normally involves a combination of the following medical interventions and lifestyle changes:

• Treating underlying health issues, like cardiac disease or pain
• Using a CPAP machine or other continuous positive airway pressure devices, dental devices such as mandibular advancement and/or surgical options for sleep apnea
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (education about strategies to improve sleep)
• Psychological evaluations for anxiety and/or depression

Expert care for sleep disorders and more

If your life, health, and job are being impacted by poor quality sleep, interrupted sleep, insufficient sleep, or daytime sleepiness, the team at Pomona Valley Health Centers is here for you. Our board-certified physicians are sleep disorder specialists who offer leading-edge diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders.

Not only can we help you sleep better, we can care for the health and well-being of your entire family. From family medicine to sports medicine and physical therapy, complete women’s health care, and urgent care, PVHC offers four convenient locations throughout Southern California’s Inland Empire.

Experience comprehensive, compassionate health care that’s close to home. To schedule your appointment, call 909-378-9143 or click here to use our online form.