As sleep experts, we know about sleeping disorders. Collectively it refers to the overall conditions that can affect your sleep quality, direction, and even timing.
How To Conquer Sleep Deprivation
Sleeping Disorders, A Guide To Better Sleep
Sleeping disorders impact your ability to function while you are awake properly. Sleeping disorders disrupt your ability to experience your best life and contribute to other medical problems. Underlying mental health issues cause many sleeping disorders.
- Are you having trouble falling, or even staying asleep?
- Are you finding it difficult to stay awake during the day?
- Experiencing unusual behaviors that are interrupting your sleep?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you are experiencing some type of sleep disorder. We designed this section of our website in hopes that it will help you pinpoint the type of sleep disorder you may have, and helpful insights and tips on getting better sleep.
What Are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders can involve problems with the timing, amount of, and quality of sleep. Sleep disorders are changes in your sleep patterns or habits that can negatively affect your health. It’s important you prioritize finding solutions to your sleep disorders. Some cures come from lifestyle changes; others require professional medical support.
What Causes Sleep Disorders?
Because there are a variety of sleep disorders that affect us, the causes can vary. Some simpler sleep disorders to treat are caused by stress, jet lag, wrong medications, even the amount of coffee you drink. More significant health conditions should be evaluated by a professional. These may include heartburn, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, mental health problems, neurological disorders, respiratory problems, thyroid disease, and even musculoskeletal disorders.
Can Sleep Disorders Be Cured?
The short answer is yes. As an example, many Americans treat sleep disorders such as insomnia with sleeping pills. However, over the long term, sleeping pills can make insomnia worse. We’re advocates of finding natural paths to better health – focused on improving your sleep, curing sleep disorders that will increase your quality of life.
Top 7 Types of Sleep Disorders
While it’s been reported that there are over 100 sleep disorders, these are the most common.
- Insomnia. A persistent problem is falling and staying asleep. 1 in 4 Americans struggles with insomnia. That’s a high number.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is an intermittent airflow blockage while you sleep. 22 Americans suffer from sleep apnea.
- Restless Legs Syndrome. 10% of Americans are affected by a condition characterized as an irresistible urge to move their legs.
- Night Terror. 2% of Americans have night terrors, which are episodes of screaming, intense fear, and even falling while still asleep.
- Narcolepsy. 1 in every 2000 people have this chronic sleep disorder that causes them to experience overwhelming daytime drowsiness.
- Sleep Walking. Over 8.4 million people sleepwalk each year. This is getting out of bed and walking around while sleeping.
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. It is a rare disorder, with only 1% of Americans having unpleasant dreams about vocal sounds and movements.
Sleeping Disorder Statistics
Don’t be a statistic! We’ve done the research to help you improve your quality of sleep!
Sleep Foundation
They report that 45% of Americans’ daily activities are affected at least once a week due to poor sleep.
The average # of sleep hours is 7 hours and 36 minutes a night.
The average bedtime is 10:55 PM and waking at 6:38 AM on workdays.
Americans sleep an estimated 40 minutes longer than on non-workdays or weekends
Centers for Disease Control
They reported that 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep.
A good night’s sleep is critical for good health. They say that 18-60-year-olds sleep at least 7 hours each night to promote good health and overall well-being.
It’s been reported that there are more than 100 sleep disorders. Sleep deprivation can lead to many issues.
American Sleep Apnea Association
They reported that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, of which 80% of the cases of central and complex sleep apnea often go undiagnosed.
There are 3 types of sleep apnea; obstructive, central sleep, and the most severe, complex.
An at-home sleep test can confirm if you have sleep apnea and even what type.
Science Daily
They reported that 25% of Americans experience acute insomnia each year.
Did you know there were natural remedies for sleep apnea?
They also said 75% recover without developing poor sleep or chronic insomnia.
If you’re wondering how to treat insomnia, you’ve found the right source.
What Is Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation basically means you are not getting enough sleep. Experts have said for best health, the average adult needs 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. The long-term effects of sleep deprivation are real. Sleep deprivation over time will drain your mental ability and puts your physical health at real risk. Here are the most common mental and physical health problems that sleep deprivation include.
Effects Of Sleep Deprivation on Your Body
Memory Issues
While you sleep, your brain forms connections to help you process new information. A lack of sleep negatively impacts short and long-term memory.
Thinking & Concentration
Concentration, problem-solving, and even creativity aren’t normal when you don’t get enough rest. This can most certainly jeopardize your employment.
Your Mood Changes
Most certainly, sleep deprivation can make you moody, quick-tempered, and yes, emotional. If not treated, this can lead to anxiety and even depression.
Unintentional Injuries
When you’re not getting good sleep, your vision may be affected by being drowsy. Daytime drowsiness has led to car accidents and other unintentional injuries.
Weakened Immunity
Lack of sleep will weaken your immune system defense against viruses such as the common cold and even flu. Don’t be exposed to these ugly germs!
High Blood Pressure
Did you know that sleep deprivation leads to higher levels of chemicals and increased blood pressure linked to inflammation? Start sleeping better.
Poor Balancing
Lack of sleep affects your body’s release of insulin. Having higher blood sugar levels and even at the risk of being diagnosed with 2 type diabetes.
Unwanted Weight Gain
Nobody wants to pack on extra weight, yet chemicals that signal to your brain that you are full are off-balance when you aren’t sleeping enough so you overeat.
Low Sex Drive
If you aren’t sleeping enough – yes, it will in fact lower your sex drive. Your libido is lowered. And in men, you’ll often experience a drop in testosterone.
Heart Disease
The last thing one needs is increased blood pressure. Are you sleeping less than 5 hours a night? You may be at risk for inflammation leading to heart disease.
Risk of Diabetes
Often happening in older adults, a lack of sleep will affect your balance and coordination. This makes you more prone to falling or worse accidents.
Diagnosis: How Sleep Disorders Are Identified
Diagnosing sleep disorders typically starts with a consultation at a sleep center or sleep specialist. The healthcare provider will usually:
- Conduct a physical exam to check for underlying medical conditions.
- Ask about your work schedule, sleep time, and sleep issues.
- Review a detailed sleep diary recording your sleep stages and wake schedule over several weeks.
In some cases, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be ordered to observe your sleep-disordered breathing, heart rate, and muscle tone during sleep.
For difficult cases, participation in a clinical trial through an official website like the United States government or National Institutes may be recommended.
Symptoms and Risk Factors for Sleep Disorders
Symptoms of shift work sleep disorder and other sleep-related issues often include:
- Insomnia symptoms
- Excessive sleepiness even after many hours of sleep
- Difficulty concentrating the next day
- Memory issues
- Mood disorders such as irritability and depression
- Decreased heart rate variability during sleep
- Trouble staying awake during critical activities like driving
Risk factors for developing sleep disorders include:
- Family history of sleep disorders
- Medical conditions like heart failure or Parkinson’s disease
- Mental illness and anxiety disorder
- Substance use and side effects from medications
- Irregular work schedules and frequent travel across time zones (leading to jet lag)
Young adults working late shifts (sometimes known as the “Shift Work Sleep Disorder) or dealing with an irregular sleep-wake rhythm are particularly vulnerable.
Understanding Sleep Disorders
Sleep medicine research has revealed that sleep disorders are complex and vary from person to person. Many common sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and shift work sleep disorder, affect millions across the United States.
According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep-wake disorders can impact your overall health, mental health conditions, and quality of life.
Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) is a specific type of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder that primarily affects people whose work schedule conflicts with their natural internal clock. Disrupting your sleep-wake cycle can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep, and severe sleep disturbances.
Whether you’re dealing with general sleep issues or something as specific as SWSD, understanding the underlying cause is critical for proper treatment and achieving restful sleep.
Treatment Options for Sleep Disorders
Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the sleep disorder.
Common approaches include:
- Lifestyle Adjustments and Sleep Hygiene
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals before bed
- Using bright light therapy to reset circadian rhythms
- Practicing good sleep habits like removing electronics from the bedroom
Medical Treatments
- Use of melatonin supplements or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for sleep-disordered breathing.
- Medications for underlying conditions affecting sleep.
- Consulting with a sleep specialist for tailored treatment plans.
Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Cognitive Behavior Therapy specifically for insomnia.
- Therapy for mood disorders and anxiety disorder contributing to sleep issues.
In more complex cases involving sleep-related breathing disorders, a bed partner may notice symptoms like loud snoring or gasping for air — crucial information for diagnosis.
Preventing Sleep Disorders: Best Practices for Sleep Health
To improve your sleep health and prevent future issues:
- Stick to a consistent sleep time and wake schedule, even on weekends.
- Address any mental health conditions with professional help.
- Practice relaxation techniques like meditation before bed.
- Keep a healthy diet and manage iron deficiency, which can contribute to restless leg syndrome.
If you travel frequently, managing jet lag through exposure to bright light and adjusting sleep schedules can protect your internal clock.
When in doubt, always seek advice from your healthcare provider or consult information on the official website of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine or the National Institutes.+
What You Sleep on Matters
Have you ever watched a movie or TV series that involves a prison scene? Have you ever wondered how you could sleep on a cold hard slab? Luckily you have a proper bed. But don’t discount the effects a high-quality mattress or topper can have on your sleep quality.
The Beloit Mattress Company has mattresses and toppers for all sleepers, regardless of your circumstances and needs. Check out our handcrafted beds today.
Premium mattress toppers are becoming more popular because they can improve your comfort in bed, and increased comfort will help you sleep better. If your mattress isn’t the problem, consider getting a quality topper to pair with it.
The Beloit Mattress Company is a family-owned and operated factory direct mattress company located in the heart of the U.S. We’ve been handcrafting high-quality, all-natural fabric mattresses, using time-tested practices, one at a time, out of Beloit, Wisconsin, since 1929.
Sleep Disorder Articles
Because sleep matters to us, we’ve been writing on many of the top sleep disorders Americans experience every day. Our hope is to bring you great insights, natural remedies, and helpful tips on how you can better your sleep.
Does a Good Mattress Really Help?
If You Desire Better Sleep It Does!
Aside from a healthy diet and exercise, uninterrupted sleep is essential. Sleep plays a vital third leg to good health and well-being throughout your life. And while your sleep disorder may have underlining causes needing to be addressed by a professional health expert, we are confident that choosing the right mattress matters.
As an American factory-direct mattress manufacturer, we’ve been handcrafting made-to-order mattresses since 1929. Our high-quality mattresses are made by hand specifically for your body type, so it keeps your spine aligned, no matter your sleep position. And you’ll love the allergen-free comfort from our all-natural fabrics will help you sleep throughout the night.
Are you in the market for a new mattress? We’d be delighted to build you a new mattress and will back it up with our 60-night comfort guarantee. If it’s not just right, we’ll make right, guaranteed! Consider our popular Classic Orthopedic Tufted innerspring mattress.
How To Experience The Best Sleep Guide (free)
A Sleep Guide For Every Age Group
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Mattress Buying Guide (free)
Understand how to choose the right mattress!
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Remember, you spend about one-third of our lives in bed.












