Common Sleep Challenges

It’s estimated that over 20% of American adults struggle with sleep challenges. Are you one of them? Find out about common sleep challenges, and what you can do to support your sleep health. 

While there are over 90 different types of sleep disorders, they can be categorized into six different subsets.  

Insomnia is a common complaint among adults, and is often correlated with stress and worry. Insomnia can be acute – resolving within a short period of time. It can also become chronic, when symptoms last three or more months. In addition to stress, insomnia can be caused or exacerbated by certain medications, unhealthy sleep habits and other health conditions. 

On the other end of the sleep spectrum there are conditions like narcolepsy where a sense of sleepiness descends on someone quickly and without warning. If you regularly require more than ten hours of sleep a night, discuss your sleep challenges with your provider. 

Sleep apnea and snoring both interfere with breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea is characterized by having five or more episodes in an hour where your breathing is interrupted. Snoring has similar effects. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the brain. Sleep apnea has been linked to stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. 

Have you ever been just on the cusp of sleep when all of a sudden your legs involuntarily jerk and you’re suddenly wide awake? Restless leg syndrome is one movement disorder that can interfere with the quality of your sleep. These movements can be accompanied by discomfort and even pain, making sleeping through them – or getting back to sleep quickly afterwards – near impossible. 

Our bodies’ innate circadian rhythm means that we should easily wake in the morning and fall asleep at night. For some, however, this rhythm has gone off-beat. Common obstacles to an established circadian rhythm are traveling across two or more time zones, as well as working the night shift. In fact, ‘shift work disorder’ is a common diagnosis for those working third shift. 

Sleepwalking and sleeptalking are a couple of common sleep disorders that fall under the parasomnia category. These disorders are common in children, with many people eventually outgrowing them. These can be unsettling to both the individual experiencing them and to their bed partners as well. 

There are many different treatments for sleep challenges, ranging from DIY to heavily interventive. It’s always a good idea to check your “sleep hygiene” if you are encountering issues. Common recommendations include:  

Medical interventions might include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medications, medical devices such a CPAP or BiPAP machine, conducting a sleep study, and, in some cases, surgery to remove excess tissue that blocks airways. 

If you are encountering sleep challenges, start by reaching out to your medical provider. They may refer you to the Hancock Health Sleep Center for comprehensive diagnosis and support.