Sleep disorders and insomnia are called disturbances of the natural need for sleep that occur at regular intervals and are not temporary.
What are sleep disorders?
One speaks of sleep disorders only when the affected person has little or no normal sleep over a long period of time. One speaks of sleep disorders only if the affected person can sleep only little or not at all normally over a longer period of time. In this case, the sleep disorders are often accompanied by concentration problems, fatigue, loss of performance and general weakness. Sleep disturbances often occur temporarily and are therefore not yet to be regarded as an actual disorder. A distinction is made between different forms of sleep disorders. On the one hand, there are the so-called sleep disorders, which can also occur in the form of sleep disturbances (insomnia). In this case, the person affected usually needs more than half an hour to fall asleep. Furthermore, disturbances of the wake-sleep rhythm (e.g., during jet lag or night shifts) and sleep-bound disorders (parasomnia) can occur. The latter also includes sleepwalking, teeth grinding or increased nightmares. In most cases, these forms then result in increased daytime sleepiness, which is caused by the insufficient amount of sleep.
Causes
The most common causes of sleep disorders are mental and psychosomatic diseases, disorders or problems (e.g. anxiety disorder). The most common sleep disorders result mostly from negative sleep patterns. These can be an unfamiliar environment or strong mental effort shortly before going to bed. In addition, psychological problems are often the cause of sleep disorders. Above all, stress, professional problems, existential anxiety and pressure to perform are increasingly causing people to have problems falling asleep. However, sleep disorders can also be caused by illnesses and symptoms of illness. These include, for example, depression and sleep addiction (narcolepsy). Snoring, drugs, avoidance drugs, coffee and alcohol consumption can also lead to sleep disorders. Finally, of course, noise and bright lights can also cause sleep problems.
Diseases with this symptom
- Hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Menopause
- Hypersomnia
- Irritable bowel
- Hypothyroidism
- Burnout syndrome
- Affective disorders
- Anxiety disorder
- Hay fever
- Low blood pressure
- Nicotine addiction
Diagnosis and course
Not every night spent awake can be classified as a sleep disorder: The doctor speaks of a chronic insomnia only if a patient at least three nights a week for six months or longer can not find a proper sleep. If this is the case, the causes should definitely be clarified medically. To make the diagnosis, the doctor will not only inquire about sleep habits and current stress factors, but will also perform a physical examination and ask about stimulant consumption. The expected course depends on the diagnosis. What is clear is that sleep disorders only disappear on their own in exceptional cases, but that if left untreated, they usually intensify and become more entrenched with increasing duration.
Complications
Sleep disorders can result in various complications. Immediately, problems with sleep lead to daytime fatigue, which is often accompanied by difficulty concentrating and increased irritability. Performance is often reduced as a result of disturbed night sleep, increasing the risk of work and car accidents. Sleep disturbances that persist over a longer period of time can lead to cardiovascular diseases and a weakened immune system. Moreover, short-term sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels and leads to increased stress reactions. In the long term, sleep disorders lead to premature aging and reduced life expectancy. Basically, lack of sleep has a negative effect on health and is a risk factor for various serious diseases. After just a few nights of disturbed sleep, blood pressure rises, accompanied by a variety of complications such as a reduction in well-being, tension and nervousness. In addition, stomach problems may occur.Complications can also arise during the treatment of sleep disorders. For example, various sleeping pills strain the internal organs, while self-medication can exacerbate sleep disorders under certain circumstances. Problems falling asleep or sleeping through the night, as well as other sleep disorders, should therefore always be clarified by a doctor.
When should you see a doctor?
Sleep disorders do not have to be treated by a doctor in every case. This is especially true if they occur only temporarily and do not permanently bother the affected person. If the sleep disorders occur after taking alcohol or drugs, these must be discontinued so that the sleep rhythm can normalize. The patient should also avoid coffee and caffeinated drinks for a few hours before going to bed. However, if the disturbances in falling asleep persist over a longer period of time, a doctor can be consulted. This is especially true if the disturbances occur after an unpleasant or traumatic experience. Especially in children, sleep disorders should be immediately examined by a doctor to prevent further complaints. First and foremost, it is advisable to consult the family doctor or general practitioner. The latter can refer the affected person to the respective specialist. If the patient suffers from a mental illness or depression, a psychologist can also be consulted directly. The affected person should avoid sleeping pills in any case. These promote addictive behavior and can harm the body in the long term.
Treatment and therapy
In the case of long-lasting sleep disorders, a doctor should be consulted. Here, the doctor will try to diagnose possible psychological reasons, especially through an intensive conversation. In addition, he will perform a physical examination to rule out possible diseases that could be considered as the cause of the sleep disorders. In most cases, an examination is performed in a so-called sleep laboratory and then evaluated. If it is then determined that snoring or sleep apnea are the cause, a sleep and breathing mask can help. In the case of stress and psychological problems, a specialist or psychotherapist should be involved in the treatment. He will then try to eliminate possible psychosomatic disorders with the person concerned. At the same time, it is advisable to learn autogenic training and other relaxation techniques. Furthermore, smoking, alcohol and large meals should be avoided, especially before going to bed. Sports and exercise and plenty of fresh air in nature stimulate the metabolism and circulation. This has an exceedingly calming effect and promotes falling asleep quickly and deeply.
Outlook and prognosis
Sleep disorders can usually be treated relatively well, allowing the patient to resume a normal daily routine. Often, sleep disorders are treated with the help of medication and occur in older people. At this advanced age, sleep disorders are a common condition and do not require further investigation by a physician if they are temporary and not too frequent. In case of persistent sleep disorders, a doctor must be consulted. Often these disorders are triggered by stress or psychological problems. It is also possible that a consultation with a psychologist can help to identify the cause of the sleep disorders and to combat them. If the sleep disorders are not treated properly, depression, stress and a general feeling of weakness can sometimes result. This condition can have a negative impact on the patient’s daily life and quality of life in general. Both everyday life and work are then difficult to cope with. The permanently low mood can lead to social problems. No difficulties arise during the treatment itself; in most cases, treatment of the sleep disorders leads to success. However, medications should not be taken over a long period of time, because they clog the stomach.
Prevention
As a rule, sleep disorders can be well prevented. For this purpose, it is only necessary, provided that no disease is involved, to move a lot in nature and to eat a healthy and balanced diet. However, large portions should be avoided, as well as alcohol and nicotine. Do not drink coffee or black tea and exercise. Learn relaxation techniques such as autogenic training.Try to keep stress away and, if you can, don’t put off problems.
Home remedies and herbs
- Aniseed helps against flatulence, cough mucus, asthma and white flux and provides good sleep. Put a handful of anise seeds in a bowl of boiling water and inhale the steam.
- Apple tea for insomnia and sleep disorders: Peel a few apples and let the peels dry. Boil the dried peels in water and sweeten as needed. Before bedtime, drink two to three cups of the tea is a good home remedy for insomnia.
- Valerian is excellent for insomnia and is harmless. Drink a cup of valerian tea daily in the evening before bedtime or take a few drops of valerian on a sugar cube. For valerian tea, take 3 to 4 grams of valerian to a liter of water and boil for 5 minutes.
- The active ingredients of valerian calm and have an antispasmodic effect. A valerian bath helps with difficulty falling asleep, nervousness or stress. Three tablespoons of valerian tincture are added to a full bath, or 8 to 12 tablespoons of valerian roots are steeped in 3 liters of boiling water, which is then added to the bath water. Its nerve-calming effect makes this bath also help with nervous skin.
- For insomnia, an infusion with dill before bedtime helps.
- Hops flower tea, drunk before bedtime, is effective against insomnia.
- About 1 to 2 kilos of pine shoots in 5 liters of water boil briefly, infuse, strain and add to hot bath water. An ideal bath for insomnia, colds and rheumatism. In the vernacular, pine shoots are also called mountain pine.
- For insomnia, they drink tea prepared as follows: Mix equal parts of valerian roots, lemon balm leaves, peppermint leaves and lavender flowers and pour boiling water over them. Take two teaspoons of the mixture for one cup and let it steep for about ten minutes. Then drink in sips.
You can do yourself
In sleep disorders, a distinction is made between problems falling asleep and sleeping through the night. Depending on the cause, treatment and self-help can vary, often the tips help with both problems. Sleep disorders transport sufferers into a vicious circle, because the fear of a next sleepless night affects healthy sleep even more. Sleep disorder patients have lost the natural way of dealing with sleep. Brooding and fretting about not being able to fall asleep makes the situation even worse. The demand to sleep at all costs, for example because an important meeting is coming up, is not helpful at all. Before falling asleep, imagining pictures in which you are in a safe place can relieve stress. Concentration exercises that have the breath in FoKus, visualizations of soothingly lapping water or warm sun rays on the skin are very useful. Relaxation exercises also help reduce stress before bedtime and thus calm the body. Reducing expectations regarding sleeping through the night is also helpful, this can reduce unnecessary stress. Accepting that you will wake up at night will ultimately help you sleep better. Exercise reduces psychological stress and makes you tired. A long run in the early evening can work wonders. Sex or masturbation also help you fall asleep. It is advisable to avoid caffeinated drinks in the afternoon, as they stimulate. Sleeping pills should not be taken if possible, the risk of dependence is too great. In the case of serious events that depress for a long time, psychotherapy can help.
