Understanding 5 Sleep Disorders That Require Medical Attention

Getting enough quality sleep at night is essential, as it helps restore your energy so you are better prepared to face the next day. On the other hand, lack of sleep can not only leave your body feeling fatigued during daily activities, but can also have serious consequences for your overall health. 

If left unaddressed, sleep disorders can gradually increase the risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Here are 5 sleep disorders that require medical attention.

Insomnia

Insomnia is perhaps the most well-known and widely recognized sleep disorder. It occurs when a person has difficulty falling or staying asleep. There are many potential causes of insomnia, including digestive issues, stress, and hormonal imbalances. Insomnia should be treated promptly, as chronic insomnia can lead to various health problems such as stress, depression, and chronic conditions including diabetes and kidney disease.

Parasomnia

Parasomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal movements or behaviors during sleep. Symptoms include sleeptalking, sleepwalking, bedwetting, groaning, nightmares, and teeth clenching. Parasomnia is considered a dangerous sleep disorder, as sufferers may unknowingly put themselves at risk due to their unawareness of their surroundings. It can also reduce sleep quality, leading to negative effects on health. For this reason, it is advisable for those affected to consult a doctor to receive the most appropriate care. 

Restless Legs Syndrome

This sleep disorder is a neurological condition associated with serious health concerns. RLS is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, with symptoms most commonly occurring at night. While the connection between this unusual syndrome and heart disease may seem unlikely, research confirms that such a link does exist. Furthermore, recent findings indicate that women with RLS are at an increased risk of death from heart disease.

Narcolepsy 

Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep and wakefulness, and is marked by excessive daytime sleepiness. Narcolepsy causes sleep attacks, meaning sufferers can suddenly fall asleep at any time and in any place. During sleep, most people experience a drop in blood pressure — a phenomenon known as nocturnal dipping. It is this reduction nocturnal dipping that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, people with narcolepsy frequently experience depression and a heightened risk of conditions such as diabetes and obesity, which can be linked to heart disease.

Snoring 

Do not dismiss this sleep disorder, as snoring can be a sign of a serious health condition — sleep apnea. People who snore frequently are also known to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. Those with OSA may experience breathing cessation lasting 10 to 20 seconds during sleep due to airway obstruction. This condition leads to health complications as the body's oxygen levels become insufficient.

Consulting a doctor is the right step toward receiving prompt OSA treatment. Doctors typically recommend undergoing a Sleep Diagnostic Test first, and if necessary, may also advise the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy device to address snoring and sleep apnea. 

If you have been advised to undergo a Sleep Diagnostic Test or need further information about CPAP therapy devices for snoring, you can contact Resindo Medika.

Resindo Medika is the authorized distributor of ResMed and Somnomedics in Indonesia. Resindo Medika provides Sleep Diagnostic Tests with high accuracy. You can undergo a sleep test at a hospital or in the comfort of your own home — easily, safely, and conveniently.