They find it difficult to maintain healthy sleep for sufficient time. A person who has epilepsy may be affected even more as a result of sleep disorders. Doctors at sleep center Damascus have found a link between seizures and sleep disorders. They have also found out that some particular stages of sleep are more likely to produce seizures than other stages. I have seen some people who always feel tired. When I delved deep into their problem, the real culprit slowly started coming out. It was the patient’s inability to get sound sleep during night. Some people keep on tossing and turning and struggling to get sleep.
Sleep study center explained.
A sudden change in actions, awareness, or feelings that are not under your control can be considered a seizure. Seizures show that something has happened to your body’s electrical system, which has changed how your brain controls the body. A person usually shows some of these signs like uncontrollable shaking, falling out and shaking, sudden muscle jerks, etc. Lack of sleep and disturbed sleep are the factors that cause symptoms of seizures. A warm bath before bed can give you sound sleep, which can also help avoid seizures.
Sleep and seizures
Sleep can affect seizures, and seizures can affect sleep. Both are also true. Usually, people experience seizures in the morning, soon after they get awake. Some others experience seizures while they are asleep and they never know that such a thing has happened. They only know that sometimes they wake up with bitten tongues and aching muscles.
Sleep explained
Brain’s work changes periodically or in special ways. At times, these changes can induce seizures in some people. Doctors have classified sleep into different categories. In one sleep pattern our eyes dart to and fro with eyelids remaining closed. It is called rapid eye movement sleep (REM). Epileptic patients are less likely to have seizures during this stage of sleep. Another type of sleep is considered deeper. People who experience fixtures during sleep are more likely to have them when they are in deep sleep.
The Importance of Sleep Health: Understanding Sleep Disorders and Seeking Help
Sleep is a vital part of our daily lives, letting our bodies and minds rest and refresh. However, for many individuals, getting a good night’s sleep is a constant struggle. Chronic snoring, tossing and turning, and nightmares can leave us feeling exhausted and desperate for relief. Little do we know, these symptoms may be indicators of underlying sleep disorders. In fact, approximately 50 to 70 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of sleep disorder, according to the National Institutes of Health. These disorders can significantly impact our overall well-being and quality of life, making it crucial to seek help and address the underlying causes.
As adults, we require seven to eight hours of sleep each night. When we consistently fail to meet this requirement, various aspects of our well-being are affected. Memory, focus, mood, strength, and even the immune system can all suffer when we don’t get enough sleep.
Understanding the Six Categories of Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders can be categorized into six main groups, each with its distinct characteristics and treatment approaches. Identifying which category best describes your sleep issues can help guide you towards seeking appropriate care and finding relief.
1. Lack of Sleep: Insomnia
Insomnia is one of the most collective sleep disorders, affecting approximately 33% to 50% of adults. Stress, poor sleep habits, environmental changes, medications, and co-occurring medical conditions can all contribute to the development of insomnia. Intellectual behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the leading treatment, which focuses on coaching patients on sleep cycles and addressing personal barriers to sleep.
2. Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring may seem like a inoffensive annoyance, but it can be a mark of a more serious condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea disturbs more than 20 million Americans and is characterized by frequent choking and breathing interruptions during sleep. These interruptions can significantly impact sleep quality and oxygen levels, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke if left untreated.
3. Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Advanced sleep-wake phase disorder and delayed sleep-wake phase disorder are examples of these disorders, which cause individuals to be either early risers or late sleepers. Traveling across different time zones (jet lag) or working overnight (shift work disorder) can also disrupt our circadian rhythm. Treatment for circadian rhythm disorders involves creating brain cues for rest and wakefulness, such as melatonin supplementation and exposure to bright light. Establishing consistent sleep routines and avoiding electronics before bed can also help regulate our sleep-wake cycles.
4. Movement Disorders
Certain health conditions and medications can trigger these uncomfortable or painful urges, which affect approximately 7% to 10% of the population. Treatment for movement disorders involves identifying and addressing any underlying health circumstances or medication side effects. Symptomatic relief can be achieved through medication, foot wraps, and other aids.
5. Parasomnias
Parasomnias refer to uncontrollable sleep episodes that occur during various stages of sleep. These episodes can include sleepwalking, sleep talking, hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and night terrors. While some parasomnias, such as nightmares, can be triggered by post-traumatic stress or sleep deprivation, many individuals outgrow these episodes as they age. However, healthcare providers often focus on reducing the risk of injury and addressing any underlying triggers for persistent or severe parasomnias.
6. Hypersomnias: Too Much Sleep
While a lack of sleep characterizes most sleep disorders, hypersomnias involve excessive sleep duration. Individuals with hypersomnias often oversleep (over 10 hours a night) but still feel groggy and fatigued regardless of how early they go to bed. Hypersomnia can be caused by conditions such as narcolepsy, which is a nervous system disorder resulting from a lack of orexin brain chemicals. Treatment for hypersomnias typically involves a combination of sleep hygiene practices, scheduled napping, driving safety precautions, and stimulant medications to improve wakefulness.
Seeking Help from a Sleep Center
If you find yourself experiencing ongoing sleep concerns, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional specializing in sleep disorders. Sleep centers are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to conduct in-depth assessments, such as sleep studies, to determine the root causes of your sleep issues.
Don’t suffer needlessly trying to shake off fatigue on your own. Worrying about sleep or attempting to self-medicate often leads to more problems.
Sleep Disorder Treatment options
Most people with epilepsy will be taking medicines from sleep clinic bethesda to prevent seizures. If they experience seizures at night, doctors may change the dosage. A higher dosage may make the patient sleepier, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. It is better to try some exercises at bedtime or hear some relaxing music that can help one relax and slowly fall asleep.
