Sleep is one of the basic biological needs of the body. Without it, we would not be able to function normally. We need it to live like air. Even one sleepless night leaves a visible mark. Long-term sleep problems result in serious mental and physical problems.
Sleep disturbance – these are various abnormalities that may relate to the length of sleep or its quality.
There are different types of sleep disorders. Among them are:
Dyssomnias – disturbances in the quantity, quality and duration of sleep. Belong to them:
- Bezsenność,
- Excessive sleepiness (Hypersomnia),
- Narcolepsy – uncontrollable falling asleep in a very short time, during the day during everyday activities,
Sleep-wake rhythm disorders – such as:
- sudden change of time zone syndrome – concerning travelers,
- delayed sleep phase syndrome – falling asleep very late and waking up late compared to the generally accepted social norm,
- accelerated sleep phase syndrome – going to bed very early and waking up very early.
parasomnia – Abnormal behavior during sleep or when waking up. These are:
- Somnambulism – colloquially: sleepwalking, i.e. moving around during sleep,
- Dream intoxication – a short-term state of blackout after abrupt awakening, characterized by irrational behavior,
- Night terrors – occurring immediately after falling asleep, unjustified attacks of fear and terror with the temporary impossibility of regaining consciousness,
- Nightmares – prolonged dreams with frightening content, interrupting sleep,
- Katharine – repetitive loud moaning in sleep.
Sleep apnea syndrome (midsleep) – problems with breathing during sleep. It is a 10-second loss of airflow through the respiratory tract or shallow breathing of less than 50%
Sleep disorders occur as an independent problem or accompany various diseases, such as neurosis, depression, addiction, restless legs syndrome, atopic dermatitis and many others.
Effects of CS: Studies show that about 30% of the population suffers from this unpleasant condition, which has a number of negative consequences:
- chromatic fatigue,
- malaise, irritability, frustration,
- emotional lability,
- decrease in efficiency,
- decreased concentration,
- memory loss,
- lack of motivation to act,
- reaction time delay,
- decrease in stress resistance,
- weakening of the immune system, susceptibility to diseases, • tendency to obesity.
How can I help myself?
It is worth following a few simple rules that should help:
- Take care of regularity – as much as possible, try to always fall asleep and wake up at the same time.
- Forget napping during the day It makes it harder to fall asleep at night.
- live healthy – quit stimulants, give up addictions, eat right, have a lot of exercise.
- Don’t overeat in the evening – the last meal should be min. 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- Relax before bedtime – relax, don’t think about problems.
- Take care of those around youe – darken the room, eliminate unnecessary noise, ensure a relatively low temperature in it (approx. 18%).
However, in the case of chronic sleep disorders, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist: a neurologist or psychiatrist who will make a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.