According to the American Sleep Association, upwards of 70 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder. We’ll take some time to delve in to four of the most common sleep disorders that there are.
First, we’ll take a look at Insomnia. Insomnia is by far the most common sleep disorder, seeing that 50 percent of people report having suffered from the issue at one time or another. This condition comes in multiple variations. Some people might have difficulty falling asleep, while others can suffer from what is known as sleep-maintenance insomnia. Sleep-maintenance insomnia is when someone has the ability to fall asleep but wakes up in the middle of the night and is unable to fall back asleep. Meanwhile, others who suffer from this condition might tend to wake up too early. This premature awakening can prevent them from getting a full night’s rest.
Next, we’ll take a look at Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea comes in two forms: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when soft tissue, like the tongue, blocks the sleepers airway. CSA occurs when there is a miscommunication in the Sleeper’s central nervous system, where the brain stops telling the body to breathe. Sleep Apnea affects 1 in 15 Americans, and can become life threatening if untreated.
Lastly, let’s examine Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). RLS is a condition in which someone feels an irresistible urge to move their legs when trying to fall asleep. This condition affects 15% of Americans and is more common in women. In order to help alleviate this issue, it is recommended to engage the legs with exercise, stretching and heat therapy prior to bedtime.
For more information about sleep health, check out the Science of Sleep section of our website. Or stop by our bed shop in Georgetown, TX to receive your free Better Sleep Journal today.
(Photo credit: GoodRX, Sleep Foundation)