3 Common Sleep Problems & Their Causes

We all know that it’s important for us to get consistently good sleep, usually between seven and nine hours for an adult, in order for us to stay happy and healthy but, unfortunately, this is often easier said than done.

Sleep problems are incredibly common and can be down to a range of different factors, so it’s important to understand your particular condition and what could potentially be causing it in order for you to address it effectively and start getting the sleep you need.

Here are some of the more common sleep problems that you may well be experiencing or could experience in the future, as well as what action you could take to help you nod off more effectively in the future.

Restless legs

Restless legs syndrome can be very frustrating for both the sufferer and anyone sharing a bed with them. It’s characterised by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them, usually manifesting in the evening or at night when you’re lying down.

There is no obvious cause for this condition, but some neurologists believe it may be linked to how your body handles dopamine. For some people, the syndrome is caused by an underlying health condition such as kidney failure or an iron deficiency.

Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, not drinking alcohol or caffeine late at night and getting regular exercise during the day can help manage your symptoms.

Obstructive sleep apnoea

It sounds a little scary but sleep apnoea is when you stop breathing and then start again in your sleep. Symptoms of this condition include waking up a lot, loud snoring and making gasping or snorting noises. It’s also likely that you’ll feel tired during the day, experience mood swings, have a headache when you wake up and have difficulty concentrating.

If you are diagnosed with this condition, you may find it beneficial to use a CPAP machine, which pumps air into a mask that you wear while you sleep. This can help improve your breathing and improve your sleep quality, so you feel less tired.

Causes of sleep apnoea include obesity, smoking and drinking alcohol, sleeping on your back, getting older, having large tonsils, genetics and having a large neck.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can happen when you’re both awake and asleep, with symptoms including face, neck and shoulder pain, a painful jaw, headaches and earaches, worn-down or broken teeth and sleep disturbances.

Although it isn’t always clear what causes people to grind their teeth, it is often associated with stress and anxiety, which is the most common cause of bruxism. It has also been linked to smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, taking certain medication and sleep issues like snoring and sleep apnoea.

Treatments include wearing a mouthguard or mouth splint at night so you can protect your teeth from damage. A dentist can make this to fit your mouth precisely.

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