Sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being and good sleep is our daily energy source. However, we don't always manage to sleep well. A large proportion of people suffer from occasional sleep problems. When thoughts, worries or stress keep us awake or something prevents us from sleeping peacefully and restfully.
A sleep disorder is defined as sleep that is too short or too long, difficulty falling asleep, or sleep that is frequently interrupted and therefore not restful. Sleep experts distinguish over 80 different types of sleep disorders. These range from problems falling asleep and staying asleep to shifts in the sleep-wake rhythm to sleep-related movement and breathing disorders.
The most common forms of sleep disorders are divided into the following groups:
Insomnia
This refers to problems falling asleep and staying asleep, which are among the most common sleep problems. Those affected have difficulty falling asleep, often wake up at night and find it difficult to fall back asleep. If the sleep disorder persists for a long time, it can result in daytime fatigue, increasing irritability and reduced performance.
Hypersomnia
Hypersomnia, also known as "sleep addiction", refers to disorders with increased daytime sleepiness. Unintentional falling asleep during the day and the feeling of being permanently sleepy can be the consequences. Sleep addiction often occurs in connection with mental illnesses and sleep-related breathing disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnoea.
Parasomnia
This refers to sleep disorders where unusual behaviour occurs during sleep, such as sleepwalking, talking in sleep, nightmares or teeth grinding. This type of sleep disorder typically occurs episodically. Parasomnias are divided into the following four categories:
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Every 2nd man over 40 and every 2nd woman from 50 snores. The nightly noises often occur with increasing age due to the slackening of the pharyngeal muscles or the base of the tongue muscles. In sleep, the muscles relax, causing the tongue to tilt back and block the airway in the throat. The consequence can be pauses in breathing (sleep apnoea), in which the breathing is interrupted during sleep.
Circadian Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder
The circadian sleep-wake rhythm disorders refer to a whole group of sleep disorders. They occur when our sleep-wake rhythm is no longer adapted to the external change from light to dark and the given social requirements. The result is a disruption of our internal clock, which signals us when it's time to go to sleep and wake up. A circadian sleep-wake rhythm disorder that probably almost all of us know is "jet lag".
Restless-Legs-Syndrome (restless legs)
This is a sleep-related movement disorder. It manifests itself as unpleasant sensations in the legs and is often perceived as a pulling or tearing pain or as tingling. At the same time, those affected feel the urge to constantly move their legs, which can seriously impair sleep quality.
If you notice symptoms in yourself and suspect a sleep disorder, it is definitely worth seeing a doctor. Since sleep disorders can become a chronic ailment, it is advisable to recognise and treat them early. Signs of a chronic sleep disorder show up when you cannot sleep restfully for three nights or more per week over a period of at least one month and you feel exhausted and irritated during the day.
The causes and development of sleep disorders are as diverse as the sleep disorders themselves. It is important to know that sleep disorders are often multifactorial and several causes can be present. They can be divided into primary and secondary reasons.
Primary sleep disorders refer to sleep problems that are not a direct result of an organic disease or medication. Rather, they are related to your sleep hygiene:
Stressful life events such as financial worries, professional stress or interpersonal conflicts can quickly rob us of our sleep. Fears and worries can flood our thoughts and make it difficult to switch off and fall asleep.
Unfavourable sleeping environments caused by disturbing noises, too much light, poor room climate or an unsuitable mattress can also disrupt your sleep.
Irregular sleep habits, such as falling asleep at different times or the lack of a fixed routine, can promote sleep disorders.
Certain lifestyle habits can also be the cause of sleep problems and poor sleep. This includes, for example, the consumption of certain foods such as alcohol, stimulating drinks, nicotine or hard-to-digest food before going to bed.
Secondary sleep disorders are caused by physical or psychological illnesses. The most common secondary causes of sleep problems are:
There are a number of physical complaints that can indirectly promote sleep disorders. These include hormonal diseases, heart and lung diseases, restless legs syndrome and chronic pain.
Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorders can also disrupt our sleep. Our mind is closely connected to our body. Therefore, fears and stressful thoughts often lead to problems falling asleep and staying asleep.
Some medications contain stimulants that can negatively affect the sleep-wake rhythm. These include certain antidepressants, antibiotics, high blood pressure medications and cortisone.
You should not underestimate the effects of sleep disorders as they can endanger your health in the long term. Those who sleep too little often suffer from the psychological and physical consequences. Reduced mental performance is just the beginning. In addition, we become increasingly moody and irritated.
Sleep disorders also have a negative effect on our body. For example, breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, body temperature, our hormone balance and metabolism are affected. Anyone who stays awake for more than 24 hours straight suffers from severely impaired cognitive performance. This is roughly equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.85 per mille. After 48 hours of sleep deprivation, hallucinations and memory gaps can also occur. Sleep problems are a cause of a multitude of further health problems.
Possible symptoms that can occur due to sleep disorders:
Whether you suffer from sleep problems or just want to sleep deeper and more restfully. There are numerous tips that can make falling asleep easier and improve your sleep hygiene:
Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself to find sleep. The more you focus on falling asleep, the worse it often works. Instead, try to relax and let your thoughts wander. Instead of going over the to-dos for the next day in your mind or worrying about worries, you can write down everything important before going to bed. This way you avoid thought spirals and help your head switch to rest mode.
Beurer Healthguide
This advice page was made by Beurer GmbH and is intended to help you feel healthy and happy all round.
The content of the Healthguide is intended to provide assistance and information and can in no way replace the advice of a doctor.
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