Hollywood star Ashley Judd recently came out with her struggle with a sleep disorder, opening up about her long health battle. This she did after several battles with her health, first breaking her leg after the death of her mother in 2022.
In a candid post, Ashley said, "It's been a long, catastrophic journey to full health: I have had a parasite (gone now, and good riddance, I appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine, so exotic was the diagnosis), mono, big weight gain, and now big weight loss, new onset anaphylaxis (beginning in 2011, with 14 trips via ambulance to ER and ICU so far, almost fatal several times), and a hail Mary shot my friend that led to a diagnosis of a sleepiness disorder (I keep daily records and can prove the extreme…naysayers), and now, I am in chapter 10."
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Understanding Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders refer to different conditions that may interfere with an individual's sleeping pattern and prevent a person from getting proper rest. In the United States, sleep disorders have been on the rise, with the majority of the country's population not getting the recommended quality or quantity of sleep.
The impact of poor sleep goes beyond mere fatigue, leading to negative effects on energy levels, mood, cognitive function, and general health. Sleep disorders rooted in illness or other stresses can thus have far-reaching consequences on daily life and quality of life.
Types of Sleep Disorders
Here are a few types of sleep disorders as per Dr Mihir Gangakhedkar, Consultant Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund:
Insomnia
This is a common sleep disorder that makes it quite hard to either stay asleep or fall asleep. Various factors can result in insomnia, like stress, anxiety, hormone imbalances, and so on, thereby leading to several negative effects on both mental and physical health.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea causes breathing problems when one is asleep, which thus implies low oxygen levels in the body. This condition, having two forms—obstructive and central sleep apnea—usually causes fragmented sleep and subsequent daytime sleepiness.
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Parasomnias
Parasomnias are conditions in which different abnormalities in behaviour and movements happen during sleep. This includes sleepwalking, nightmares, and teeth grinding. These phenomena can disrupt sleep continuity and may represent an underlying disorder of sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome
The irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, is described as Restless Leg Syndrome. The exact aetiology is not clear, but some medical conditions are associated with RLS, significantly disturbing sleep architecture.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is defined by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during wakefulness. It also includes symptoms like sleep paralysis. This is a neurological disease that significantly influences daily life and requires complex management.
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Symptoms and Causes of Sleep Disorders
Symptoms of sleep disorders can vary from having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep to experiencing daytime fatigue, mood disturbances, and reduced cognitive function. Medical conditions like allergies, chronic pain, and mental illnesses can all contribute to the occurrence of sleep disturbances and should be comprehensively addressed in treatment.
Bottomline
The identification and treatment of sleep disorders play a key role in protecting people's health and well-being. Targeted interventions will help individuals regain restful sleep, and the adverse effects of sleep disorders on daily life and quality of life will be eliminated. Good sleep health and professional assistance should be sought in cases of persistent sleep disturbances, leading to the promotion of optimal health and well-being, both mentally and physically.