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Sleep & Health

Common sleep disorders

Common sleep disorders

Sleep is a fundamental component of our daily lives, essential for physical health, mental well-being, and overall functionality. However, for many people, achieving a restful night's sleep can be a significant challenge due to various sleep disorders that disrupt normal sleep patterns. Let's explore some common sleep disorders, their symptoms, and potential solutions.

Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders. It’s characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep despite the opportunity for adequate rest. Its causes can be multifaceted, including stress, anxiety, medications, or other lifestyle factors.

Symptoms

  • Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep
  • Waking up too early
  • feeling unrested after sleep
  • daytime fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating

Potential solutions

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Optimise the sleep environment
  • Use supportive, high-quality bedding and a suitable mattress
  • Ensure the bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark to support natural sleep
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Improving sleep hygiene
  • Medication prescribed by a healthcare professional

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The two main types are obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), caused by throat muscles relaxing, and central sleep apnoea (CSA), a result of the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe.

Symptoms

  • Loud snoring
  • Pauses in breathing witnessed by a partner
  • Gasping for air during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Irritability

Potential solutions

  • Sleeping in an elevated position may help to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. Investing in an adjustable bed can make it easier to achieve the correct position.
  • Ample pillow support
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy
  • Medical devices
  • Lifestyle changes (weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed)
  • Surgery

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

RLS is a neurological disorder characterised by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially at night or during periods of rest.

Symptoms

Unpleasant sensations (itching, crawling, tingling) in the legs, worsened at night or when at rest, relief with movement, and disrupted sleep.

Potential solutions

  • Lifestyle changes (regular exercise, avoiding caffeine)
  • Medications to manage symptoms
  • An adjustable base and suitable mattress comfort
  • Iron supplements if deficient
  • Relaxation techniques

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness and a tendency to suddenly fall asleep during the day. It affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles.

Symptoms

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Sudden loss of muscle control (cataplexy)
  • Hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up
  • Disrupted nighttime sleep

Potential solutions

  • Medications to manage symptoms
  • Lifestyle adjustments (regular sleep schedule, scheduled naps)
  • Behavioural strategies

Parasomnias

Parasomnias are disruptive sleep disorders that involve abnormal movements, behaviours, emotions, perceptions, or dreams during sleep. Examples include sleepwalking, night terrors, and sleep talking.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the specific parasomnia but may involve abnormal movements, confusion upon waking, or distress.

Potential solutions

  • Creating a safe sleep environment
  • Improving sleep hygiene
  • Stress reduction techniques
  • Medical intervention

Good sleep hygiene is essential for your overall well-being. If you're experiencing ongoing sleep disturbances, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional. At the same time, the right sleep setup can make a big difference. At Bedshed, we offer a range of quality mattresses, beds, and bedding designed to support healthier sleep habits and create an environment that encourages better rest.

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