Common Sleep Disruptions and How to Combat Them

Have you been having trouble sleeping at night? You’re not alone. According to the American Sleep Association (AMA), about 50 to 70 million adults across the United States are affected by some sort of sleep disorder. As sleep mattress professionals, we’ve heard it all. In this blog, we’ve outlined some of the most common sleep disorders and the best ways to combat them.

Insomnia

Insomnia is by far the most commonly talked about sleep disorder. This condition occurs when a person has difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Transient insomnia typically is brought on by a traumatic life event or a shift in your typical sleep schedule. Someone suffering from this disorder usually cannot easily relax, has frequent disturbed sleep, and may not be able to pinpoint why this sleeping problem has occurred. If you’re experiencing non-restorative sleep or have trouble falling asleep for at least one month, you are likely experiencing chronic insomnia. People suffering from this disorder likely feel exhausted throughout the day, yet have trouble sleeping at night.

Medication can be prescribed for insomnia disorders, but are typically used short-term. Cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and relaxation techniques could also be incorporated into your lifestyle to alleviate insomnia.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by a repeatedly blocked airway, leading to trouble breathing while sleeping. People that suffer from sleep apnea may snore very loudly or make a choking sound while sleeping. Typically, you will wake up once your brain is deprived of too much oxygen, but in severe cases this will happen hundreds of times per night.

CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. This machine keeps a sleeper’s airway open by using mild air pressure traveling through a mask. People can also choose to wear dental appliances, undergo surgery, focus on weight loss, or try positional therapy.

Narcolepsy

People with narcolepsy fall asleep uncontrollably, no matter where they are. Narcoleptics could fall asleep while eating, walking, or even driving. This disorder can be caused by a variety of factors, but typically occurs when a person lacks the brain chemical hypocretin, which regulates sleep. Treatment for narcolepsy includes medication and support therapy.

Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis disorder is characterized by the temporary inability to move your body as you transition from sleep to awake, or vise versa. It is more likely to occur toward the morning hours, because that’s when your body experiences REM sleep. Many researchers believe sleep paralysis is a result of stress or sleep deprivation. While often frightening, this disorder is harmless. No treatment is needed, but avoiding high-stress situations will alleviate some of the symptoms.

No matter what sleep disorder you may be experiencing, having the right mattress will help guide you on the path of a regulated sleep schedule. Contact Shovlin Mattress Factory today to learn more about the mattresses we offer.