Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping.
Sleep problems have extensive mental and psychical consequences. Approximately 30% of the population experiences various forms of sleep disorders, with insomnia affecting around 10% chronically. Sleep is crucial for regulating essential bodily functions such as hormones and brain activity, significantly influencing daily mood and cognitive performance.
Sleep disorder encompass more than just insomnia; they come in various forms. Broadly speaking, sleep disorders are categorized into primary and secondary types. Secondary disorders are linked to other mental or physical illnesses or are induced by substances like drugs and stimulants. Primary sleep disorders can be classified into two main categories.
There are various types of sleep disorders that can affect the amount, duration and rhythm of your sleep. The five most common types include:
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or poor sleep quality.
- Hypersomnia: Excessive daytime sleepiness, including difficulty staying awake during the day.
- Circadian rhythm sleep disorder: Disruption of the internal biological clock, affecting sleep-wake cycles independent of external factors like travel.
- Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS): Shifted sleep-wake rhythm, causing a delay in sleep onset by at least two hours.
- Narcolepsy: Sudden episodes of falling asleep or muscle weakness (cataplexy) triggered by strong emotions; managed effectively with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
In addition, there are three main categories of sleep disorders that significantly impact sleep quality.
- Respiratory disorders: This involve disruptions in breathing during sleep. The most prevalent disorder in this category is sleep apnea, where breathing pauses intermittently, prompting the brain to signal waking. This can result in daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Sleep-Related Movement Disorders: involves uncontrolled movements or physical discomfort during sleep. Examples include restless legs, periodic limb movements, and teeth grinding.
- Parasomnias: involves abnormal behavior or experiences during sleep. Examples include sleepwalking, nightmares, sleep hallucinations, night terrors, and sleep related eating disorders.
Your sleep problems may not be due to a single specific sleep disorder but could be caused by one or more underlying factors.
Identifying the reasons behind your sleep troubles allows us to provide the most appropriate treatment. The therapy we recommend depends on your specific symptoms and underlying causes. Once we have a diagnosis, we will suggest a tailored treatment plan. At Goedebuur, we often use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sleep restriction and light therapy to address sleep issues. It’s important to note that sleep hygiene and lifestyle modifications are crucial components of treatment.
Awareness and understanding are key to managing sleep problems. Learning new habits takes times because our brains need to adapt. Repetition is essential; the more often we practice something, the better it sticks. When changing habits, it is important to set realistic goals and avoid trying to change too much at once.
If you have tried all the suggestions and recommendations to improve your sleep but still suffer from restless nights, you may have a sleep disorder. In such cases, therapy can be beneficial.
At Goedebuur, we believe in a holistic approach, that addresses both body and mind, considering nutrition and social factors as well. Our treatments are tailored to meet your specific needs, with treatment goals formulated to suit your individual circumstances.
Consult with a psychologist and sign up today. Each treatment is personalized to ensure the best outcome for you.