When we lay down to sleep, we wish each other a “good night,” and look forward to the opportunity to rest our bodies and recharge. However, it’s during sleep that our brains jump into action.
While we sleep, our brain is busy processing new information, memories, and emotions. When we don’t sleep well, we can feel irritable, impulsive, edgy, and forgetful the next day.
Chronic issues with sleep can result in physical medical issues, as well as trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Sleep and your mental health are inversely related. Without enough sleep your mental health suffers and some mental health disorders can cause you to lose sleep.
“Go to bed you’ll feel better tomorrow” is the human version of “Did you try turning it off and on again?”
– Unknown
What is a sleep disorder?
According to the Sleep Foundation, a sleep disorder refers to conditions that affect sleep quality, timing, or duration and impact a person’s ability to properly function while they are awake.
What are the five most common sleep disorders?
- Insomnia — a short term or chronic condition where you have trouble falling and/or staying asleep.
- Sleep Apnea — sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.
- Narcolepsy — a chronic sleep disorder that can disrupt your daily routine. Symptoms include daytime sleepiness and difficulty staying awake for any length of time.
- Restless Legs Syndrome — indications of RLS include the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. Usually occurs in the nighttime hours when you’re sitting or lying down.
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder — rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is a condition in which you physically act out dreams. This can include vocalizing and sudden, violent flailing of your arms and legs.
Sweet Dreams
If you are having trouble sleeping, or have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, the team at RIVIA Mind can help. Book an appointment now with one of our clinicians and start sleeping better!
