What are sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders are conditions that alter the normal pattern of sleep and wakefulness. They can affect the quantity, quality or rhythm of sleep, jeopardising physical, mental and emotional balance during the day.
They are also known as sleep disorders, sleep disturbances or sleep pattern changes.
Main types of sleep disorders
Insomnia
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders and is characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or getting restful sleep.
Occasional insomnia
It's related to stress, temporary changes in routine or emotional factors. It usually improves naturally.
Chronic insomnia
It is defined by persistent difficulty sleeping, present at least three times a week for more than three months. It can be associated with anxiety, depression or inadequate sleep habits.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS)
Sleep apnoea causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to the airways collapsing.
It can lead to extreme daytime sleepiness, fatigue, headaches and increased cardiovascular risk.
Common signs include heavy snoring, pauses in breathing and waking up feeling suffocated.
Narcolepsy and central hypersomnia
Narcolepsy affects the control of the sleep-wake cycle, causing episodes of sudden sleepiness during the day, even after adequate sleep.
Symptoms such as cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hallucinations can appear when falling asleep or waking up.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movements (PMPM)
RLS causes an irresistible need to move the legs, especially at night, causing discomfort and difficulty falling asleep.
PMPM appear as repetitive involuntary movements during sleep, fragmenting rest.
Parasomnias
These are abnormal behaviours or events during sleep, such as sleepwalking, night terrors, bruxism, REM sleep behaviour disorder and sleep paralysis.
Some parasomnias can pose a physical risk, requiring adaptations to the environment.
Circadian rhythm disturbances
They occur when the internal biological clock is out of sync with social schedules.
These include phase delay syndrome, jet lag and disorders related to shift work.
The most common symptoms are difficulty falling asleep or waking up at the desired time and daytime tiredness.
Causes and risk factors
Sleep disorders can result from biological, psychological and behavioural factors:
- hormonal or neurological changes
- stress, anxiety and depression
- chronic pain or respiratory diseases
- irregular timetables
- excessive use of screens at night
- consumption of stimulants
Signs and symptoms
During the night
- difficulty falling asleep
- frequent awakenings
- poor sleep
- snoring or breathing pauses
- strange behaviour during sleep
During the day
- persistent drowsiness
- fatigue
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- low productivity
Diagnosis of sleep disorders
The diagnosis is made through
- clinical assessment and analysis of sleep habits
- specific questionnaires such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale
- tests such as polysomnography to assess sleep quality
- actigraphy to record movement patterns
- multiple sleep latency tests in cases of excessive sleepiness
These assessments help identify the type of sleep disorder and define the appropriate treatment.
Treatment and management of sleep disorders
Behavioural interventions
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia
- creating regular sleep routines
- reduced exposure to light
- relaxation techniques and sleep hygiene
Medical approaches
- use of respiratory devices, such as CPAP, in cases of apnoea
- specific therapies for neurological sleep disorders
- treatments that regulate the circadian rhythm
- monitoring of associated medical or psychological conditions
Lifestyle changes
- regular exercise
- balanced diet
- avoid caffeine, alcohol and large meals in the evening
- keep the room dark, quiet and cool
Frequently asked questions about sleep disorders
Is occasional poor sleep a cause for concern?
No. It's only worrying when the symptoms persist and affect your daily wellbeing.
Do all sleep disorders need medication?
No. Some improve with changes in behaviour and sleep routines.
Do sleep disorders affect mental health?
Yes, they can aggravate symptoms of anxiety, depression and burnout.
Can I have more than one sleep disorder?
Yes, it is common for two or more disorders to coexist.
When to seek help
If symptoms are persistent, last longer than three weeks or significantly affect quality of life, it is important to seek specialised medical advice.
If you need support, you can book an appointment with a professional here.
