Not getting enough sleep? Getting too much sleep? Unable to stay asleep? The right amount of sleep is essential for normal physical and mental function. However, there are over seventy varieties of sleep disorders that currently affect millions of people who may not even know they have a problem. Often overlooked, misdiagnosed or left untreated, sleeping disorders can negatively impact every aspect of life and lead to more serious health conditions. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from a sleeping disorder or sleep-related condition, contact your physician or primary health care provider today for helpful information, prevention advice, and specialist referrals.

The right amount of sleep for you will vary according to your lifestyle, medical and age needs. Healthy adults should get about 7-8 hours of sleep every night and this isn’t always possible. Although some sleep disorders are biological, others can be brought on by poor sleep environment, erratic sleep schedules or even a poor diet. Whether related to stress, lifestyle, medication or a medical condition, a sleep disorder can disrupt normal sleep patterns and hinder healthy cell growth and immune function. If you suspect you have a sleeping disorder, you may even notice decreased resistance to illness and other physical conditions. Sleep disorders can often also cause irritability, fatigue and decreased productivity.

Although the exact nature of sleep still isn’t clearly understood by researchers, it’s still possible to determine what may be causing a sleep disorder. From increased caffeine or medication intake to genetics, night shift work, physical illness and aging, there are numerous reasons why people suffer from sleep disorders. To make matters worse, the symptoms of a sleep disorder might not just be sleep-related and could make diagnosing and treating a sleep disorder difficult. So how do you know if you’ve been suffering from a sleep disorder? If you have had trouble staying awake during the day, feel irritable, have difficulty concentrating, experience job-related or automobile accidents, have a hard time with your memory, or are dependent on caffeine to make it through the day, you may have a sleep disorder.

The most common sleep disorders and sleep-related disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, sleep paralysis, night terrors, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy and hypersomnia. Other conditions such as sleep walking, teeth grinding (Bruxism), snoring and bedwetting may not be categorized as sleep disorders, but could signify an underlying sleeping condition. Although your physician will determine what treatment options are right for you, most sleeping disorders and conditions are combated with a combination of behavior modification and medication. If you’re not getting enough sleep, having trouble staying asleep, or sleeping too much, contact your physician today for diagnosis, prevention and treatment information that can help you get on your way to having restful, healthy sleep.