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Do you suffer from sleeping problems? If so, you are among thousands of people who with sleep disorders looking for a solution. Here we look at the most common disorders and remedies available.

COMMON SLEEP DISORDERS

1. Insomnia

Insomnia can range from simple disruption of sleep patterns to a total inability to sleep, leaving the sufferer feeling tired and irritable and unable to concentrate.

Mild forms, which last for limited periods, can result from dramatic life changes, such as moving from a daily to shift work environment, or from a traumatic event such as the death of a relative. Extreme forms may be physical, where the person has a heart or breathing condition or psychological, caused by anxiety or depression.

2. Apnoea

Apnoea, often associated with heavy snoring, is where people stop breathing for periods whilst asleep. In most cases the brain reacts within a couple of minutes to return breathing to normal. However, it can be indicative of other problems and needs attention.

3. Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is an illness resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness and can lead to sufferers falling asleep without warning. It may be hereditary and can be accompanied by muscle weakness or even hallucinations.

4 Restless Leg syndrome

RLS is an irritation of the legs, and sometimes arms. It will affect ten percent of us in later life. RLS creates a situation where the urge to move the limbs becomes almost unbearable. At night it can disturb sleep patterns, leading to fatigue during the day.

5. Sleepwalking

Although sleepwalking is commonly experienced in childhood, it can occur in adulthood. This disorder can last up to several minutes and may be brought about by emotional and psychological problems.

REMEDIES

1. Sleep hygiene

Sleep disorders can be lessened by a "sleep hygiene" routine. This entails allowing sufficient time for sleep and for the body and mind to relax in the evening prior to bedtime, including the avoidance of brain stimulating chemicals, such as drugs, caffeine and nicotine before retiring. In the case of Narcolepsy, taking regular short naps and with RLS an evening exercise routine may also help. However these remedies may not eliminate the problem altogether, in which case others may be required.

2. Medication

In milder cases of sleep disorders many can be treated by medication. Additionally, in extreme cases of disorders such as apnoea, surgical or sleep-aid remedies are available, although these should be viewed as a last resort. However, there are two problems with medication. Firstly, the condition can return at the end of the treatment and secondly, it is known that some medication can become addictive.

3. Therapy

Where none of the above remedies work it is possible the disorder has a deep psychological cause, in which case therapy may help to identify and alleviate these issues and suggest the appropriate treatment.

If you have a sleep disorder it is important that you seek qualified medical advice to discuss the causes and treatment if the condition persists.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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