Sleep Disorders Linked to Numerous Health Problems

Not getting enough sleep due to sleep disorders has been linked to many negative effects. A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report states that tired drivers cause a hundred thousand accidents and fifteen hundred deaths annually.  Other effects are low productivity at work, relationship issues and health problems.

Sleep is needed by the human body and for most people, the older they get, the less sleep they believe they need. Children are always made to sleep early but this practice slowly fades as the child grows. What is not acknowledged are the ill effects of getting enough sleep hours.

Dr. Jerry Reedy, from Central Illinois Allergy and Respiratory Services in Springfield, Illinois, asserts that again does in fact lead to an increased risk of acquiring sleep disorders, insomnia being the most common.  However, this insomnia affects different people in different ways and to varying degrees.

Insomnia happens when one has difficulty to fall asleep and remaining asleep.  Continuous sleep deprivation can lead to mood changes, less motivation for activity including work, lessened attention span, concentration problems, depleted energy levels and fatigue.

As one grows older, medical problems like arthritis, heart or lung conditions can trigger the inability to sleep.  Stress and depression can cause a person to have disturbed sleep. Lifestyle and habits are also factors that should be looked into. The long-term effect of insomnia can lead to psychiatric issues like depression.

Millions of people are suffering sleeps disorders but a low percentage goes for treatment. Along with sleep problems they have other conditions like heart problems, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis, and so forth.  These are all age related illnesses. Doctors should also check the sleeping habits of patients since the sleep depravation increases the health issues.

Medical conditions that can cause sleep disorders are:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Hyperthyroidism
• Parkinson’s disease

Melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep, production in the body decreases when a person reaches the age 60.  Discomfort and pain associated with illnesses can also be a reason for the elderly not being able to sleep.

Those who experience sleep problems should seek help. Continuous sleep deprivation is not good for the body as well as the mind.  If there are medical conditions then lack of rest and sleep will augment the problem.

Sleep apnea is another common disorder that should have immediate treatment. This is a condition where breathing is stopped for a short period of time due to air blockage. Men tend to suffer sleep apnea more than women.  Those 30-60 years old are mostly the ones who have sleep apnea.

Sleep disorders can be treated.  There are sleep centers to help sufferers to deal with their condition. Cognitive behaviour therapy is one treatment that doctors recommend. For sleep apnea, oral appliances can be used to open airwaves. For more serious causes this can be dealt with surgery.