Sleep Disorders Everyone has a night now and then that we just cannot sleep. That may not be a big deal, but 30% of Americans from age 30-60 report significant sleep problems, some to the point that they avoid sleep. Causes of Sleep Disorders Many times, sleep disorders manifest as an underlying condition of a health problem. When a patient reports a sleep concern, the primary care attendant will first examine what could cause the sleep disorder, and rule out health concerns. -
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Allergies can often cause an interruption in sleep patterns. Sneezing, coughing, and don’t forget itching, can keep you wide awake at night, and miserable to top things off. If the nose is stuffy, and you cannot properly breathe, it can keep you awake. Breathing through the mouth will promote a dry mouth, and cause coughing. Nocturia can create a cycle of waking up multiple times during the night. Hormonal imbalances are often the culprit of this condition. Hormone therapy can help regulate and get the body back in the habit of good sleep cycles. Frequent urination can be very disruptive to a good night’s sleep. You can be so tired, and comfortable, only to be hit with needing to head to the bathroom, yet again. A doctor should be consulted, there could be a urinary tract infection, or other underlying condition. Proper treatment may eliminate that problem all together. Pain that is persistent can cause you to remain awake or keep waking up. This should be addressed, and should be corrected. The number one reason people do not sleep at night is anxiety and stress. Related: Medical Mysteries and Miracles
Sleep Apnea A once unheard-of condition is now very common. Loud snoring, gasping for air, waking up with a jerking motion, and waking up in a state of fear, are all signs of sleep apnea. This condition is dangerous, as a patient stops breathing they may gasp to catch air, or in many cases their body jerks to wake them up. This can be mild or severe, and when severe it can literally wake a patient hundreds of times per night. This in turn makes for a very tired body during the day, and the person may
continuously doze off at inopportune times, such as behind the wheel. This can be extremely dangerous, and should be treated immediately. Treatment for sleep apnea is generally a c-pap machine which can eliminate the sleepiness during non-sleeping hours. Restless Leg Syndrome can also cause interrupted sleep. You can be exhausted and so sleepy, you think nothing could force you to get out of the bed, and then it hits. That sudden need to move your legs. It’s indescribable, but it can get to you eventually, and the need to get up and walk around surpasses that need to stay comfortable and relaxed in bed. Narcolepsy a condition in which the body simply falls asleep at any day or time. You could be in the middle of an activity, and it’s as if someone provided a shot of sleep medication, suddenly you are asleep. Sleep disorders are studied now more than ever before. Many years ago, it may have been said that someone died unexpectedly in their sleep with no known cause, the reason was most likely a sleep disorder. Today sleep disorders can be treated; it just takes the right medical treatment, the right medications, and a plan to regain sleep patterns. Related: Considering a Nursing Career For occasional sleep problems, an over the counter sleep aid can help. If there is no pain associated, opt for strictly a sleep aid, and not a sleep aid with pain medication. Benadryl is the ingredient most used to enhance sleep, and is available on its own or combined with a pain reliever. Always lecture patients on the dangers of driving and operating machinery when deprived of sleep. A sleep condition should be acknowledged and investigated to ensure there are no underlying health concerns. Once properly diagnosed and treated, the patient can move on and live a normal life. Related:
International Nurses Association
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