DISSECTING SLEEP DISORDERS
Following our discussion on sleep apnoea, some readers requested us to explore sleep disorders hence today’s discussion. It is important that we explore sleep disorders as sleep has recently been deemed a “key social determinant of health and well-being.” In fact, the landmark Healthy People 2020 pledge made sleep health a national priority in the United States of America (USA). A study conducted in Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia among rural populations and an in Kenya in an urban area highlighted that majority of adults experienced sleep problems.
The study findings emphasise that sleep problems should be a global priority.
Sleep is necessary for preserving both the physical and mental health of human beings. Furthermore, it is essential that we look into sleep disorders as they impact on the individuals’ thought process and mood regulation. Additionally, sleep is indispensable for maintaining cognitive capabilities such as memory, learning, and the capacity to perform complex mental tasks.
There are several consequences that can be attributed to not getting enough sleep or that arise when there is poor quality sleep. An individual may have decreased energy, be irritable and have lapses in concentration on account of poor sleep.
Poor quality may also be a symptom of chronic physical diseases like diabetes.
There are several categories of sleep disorders and include among hypersomnelence, narcolepsy, nightmare disorder, restless leg syndrome, insomnia and substance-induced sleep disorders and disorders of arousal. Most sleep disorders relate to mental health problems as they can both contribute to or exacerbate mental health conditions. Furthermore, sleep problems can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition.
Whilst it has been highlighted that sleep disorders can come on the basis of medical and mental health problems, addressing the sleep disorders should be done irrespective of the nature and cause of the disorder. Treatment of sleep disorders take many forms that include pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Tablets are given in a short period of time to avoid individuals getting dependent on them. Sleep hygiene practices like exercise, can also be done to promote healthy sleep patterns. Sleep disorders are better discussed through individual conditions which will be done starting from next week.