Dr Santhosh Kumar S ,BAMS,DHNE,DHHM
Sleep Disorders:
What Are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the ability to sleep well on a regular basis. Whether they are caused by a health problem or by too much stress, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common these days.Most people occasionally experience sleeping problems due to stress, hectic schedules, and other outside influences. However, when these issues begin to occur on a regular basis and interfere with daily life, they may indicate a sleeping disorder.Depending on the type of sleep disorder, people may have a difficult time falling asleep and may feel extremely tired throughout the day. The lack of sleep can have a negative impact on energy, mood, concentration, and overall health.
In some cases, sleep disorders can be a symptom of another medical or mental health condition. These sleeping problems may eventually go away once treatment is obtained for the underlying cause. When sleep disorders aren’t caused by another condition, treatment normally involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes.It’s important to receive a diagnosis and treatment right away if you suspect you might have a sleep disorder. When left untreated, the negative effects of sleep disorders can lead to further health consequences. They can also affect your performance at work, cause strain in relationships, and impair your ability to perform daily activities.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Disorders?
Symptoms can differ depending on the severity and type of sleeping disorder. They may also vary when sleep disorders are a result of another condition. However, general symptoms of sleep disorders include:
· difficulty falling or staying asleep
· daytime fatigue
· strong urge to take naps during the day
· irritability or anxiety
· lack of concentration
· depression
What Causes Sleep Disorders?
There are many conditions, diseases, and disorders that can cause sleep disturbances. In many cases, sleep disorders develop as a result of an underlying health problem.
1) Allergies and Respiratory Problems
Allergies, colds, and upper respiratory infections can make it challenging to breathe at night. The inability to breathe through your nose can also cause sleeping difficulties.
2) Nocturia
Nocturia, or frequent urination, may disrupt your sleep by causing you to wake up during the night. Hormonal imbalances and diseases of the urinary tract may contribute to the development of this condition. (Be sure to call your doctor right away if frequent urination is accompanied by bleeding or pain.)
3) Chronic Pain
Constant pain can make it difficult to fall asleep. It might even wake you up after you fall asleep. Some of the most common causes of chronic pain include:
· arthritis
· chronic fatigue syndrome
· fibromyalgia
· infalmmatory bowel disease
· persistent headaches
· continuous lower back pain
In some cases, chronic pain may even be exacerbated by sleep disorders. For instance, doctors believe the development of fibromyalgia might be linked to sleeping problems.
4)Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety often have a negative impact on sleep quality. It can be difficult for you to fall asleep or to stay asleep. Nightmares, sleep talking, or sleepwalking may also disrupt your sleep.
What Are the Commonest Types of Sleep Disorders?
There are numerous different types of sleep disorders. Some may be caused by other underlying health conditions.
1) Insomnia
Insomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep. It can be caused by jet lag, stress and anxiety, hormones, or digestive problems. It may also be a symptom of another condition. Insomnia can be very problematic for your overall health and quality of life, potentially causing:
· depression
· difficulty concentrating
· irritability
· weight gain
· impaired work or school performance
Unfortunately, insomnia is extremely common in the United States. Approximately 50% of American adults experience it at some point in their lives. The disorder is most prevalent among older adults and women.
Insomnia is usually classified as one of three types:
· chronic, which is when insomnia happens on a regular basis for at least one month
· intermittent, which is when insomnia occurs periodically
· transient, which is when insomnia lasts for just a few nights at a time
2)Sleep Apnea
It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This is a serious medical condition that causes the body to take in less oxygen. It can also cause you to wake up during the night.
3)Parasomnias
Parasomnias are a class of sleep disorders that cause abnormal movements and behaviors during sleep. They include:
· sleepwalking
· sleep talking
· groaning
· nightmares
· bedwetting
· teeth grinding or jaw clenching
4)Restless Leg Syndrome
RLS is an overwhelming need to move the legs. This urge is sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation in the legs. While these symptoms can occur during the day, they are most prevalent at night. RLS is often associated with certain health conditions, including ADHD and Parkinson’s disease, but the exact cause isn’t always known.
5)Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is characterized by “sleep attacks” that occur during the day. This means that you will suddenly feel extremely tired and fall asleep without warning. The disorder can also cause sleep paralysis, which may make you physically unable to move right after waking up. Although narcolepsy may occur on its own, it is also associated with certain neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.
How Are Sleep Disorders Diagnosed?
Your doctor will first perform a physical exam and gather information about your symptoms and medical history. They will also order various tests, including:
· Polysomnography: a sleep study that evaluates oxygen levels, body movements, and brain waves to determine how they disrupt sleep
· Electroencephalogram: a test that assesses electrical activity in the brain and detects any potential problems associated with this activity
· genetic blood testing: a blood test commonly used to diagnose narcolepsy and other underlying health conditions that might be causing sleeping problems
These tests can be crucial in determining the right course of treatment for sleep disorders.
According to Ayurveda :
According to the Ayurvedic perspective, the doshas (Ayurvedic humors) responsible for this disease are Tarpak Kapha, Sadhak Pitta or Prana Vata.Tarpak Kapha is a sub-dosha of Kapha (Water). It nourishes the brain cells and facilitates a good night’s sleep. Imbalance of this dosha causes poor nourishment of brain cells, leading to Sleep Disorder. Sadhak Pitta is a sub-dosha of Pitta (Fire) and is located in the heart. It controls emotions, desires, decisiveness, and spirituality. Its imbalance makes a person demanding and workaholic, thereby leading to situations that may cause lack of sleep. Prana Vata is a sub-dosha of Vata (Air). In each patient, different combinations of doshas can lead to the disease. The Ayurvedic treatment of Insomnia focuses on balancing the aggravated body energies through herbal medicines as well as customized diet and lifestyle plans. Besides that, relaxation of mind is also important part of the treatment.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
Have fresh fruits, avocado, pasta, rice, dairy products, and sweet foods.
Include nuts like almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts in your daily diet.
Have salads with a dressing of cream, yogurt, or vegetable oils.
Use whole-wheat flour and brown rice instead of refined varieties.
Increase use of butter or purified butter in foods.
Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and aerated drinks after dusk.
Avoid watching television or working on the computer late at night.
Have a body massage with sesame oil, followed by a bath.
Massage your feet with lukewarm mustard oil 2-3 times a day and before going to bed.
Take 1 teaspoon each of brahmi and ashwagandha powder in 2 cups of water, boil and reduce it to one cup and drink it daily in the morning to reduce headache.
Panchakarma For Better Sleep:
1) Abhyanga
This therapy involves synchronized massage using medicated oils.its followed by steam bath.Abhyanga acts as powerful recharger and rejuvenator of mind and body.
2) Shirodhara
3) Shiro Abhyanga
Ayurvedic head massage comprises of methodically applying medicate oil to head, neck and shoulder which helps to instigate Marmas.Shiro Abhyanga de- stresses mind and whole body.
4) Pada Abhyanga
Pada are very important part of our body, as many nerves from many organs terminate in the feet.So Abhyanga to it improves health of many organs.during Pada Abhyanga achieve balanced state of Tri doshas.
A good Sleep and A good laugh are two best cures for anything.
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