How sleep disorders affect our lives

Sleep disorders might affect a person’s ability to get a restful night’s sleep. Some kind of sleep disturbances get associated with the biological changes as per the age or certain physical diseases, and it causes pain. However, others might get associated with a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. Poor sleep might even emerge from “bad” habits like sleeping for long hours, waking up late in the morning hours, or by doing shift work. These and many more will definitely disturb your sleep cycles.

Why is sleep beneficial for your health?
Sleeping and resting help in leading a better quality of life as well as personal health. However, sleep is not simply resting or taking a break from any of the busy routines; it is essential to physical and emotional health. At the same time, enough sleep might even play a great role to recover from the illness or injuries. Inadequate sleep over a period of time is associated with some of the health disorders such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

Somehow, the emotional and mental benefits of sleep are also important. Even rare sleeping issues can make your daily life more stressful that reduces your productivity. While some people suffering from chronic insomnia are much likely to develop psychiatric problems, those who have trouble getting sleep may also experience problems like memory loss, learning, logical reasoning, and trouble with mathematical calculations.

Insomnia
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep and stay there, which affects several people. Likewise, sleep apnea affects an additional 10 million to 15 million. Similarly, Narcolepsy affects around 200,000. However, 5% of the population has become too restless legs syndrome.

Age affects sleep
People of any age might get affected, as it has a great impact of the sleep disorders that occur among older men and women. Sleep studies may reveal that they get less REM (deep) sleep over time. Along with aging, sleep cycles can become quite fragile. Usually, women notice these disorders during their menopause.

How many hours of sleep is needed?
Many researchers say that a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep is needed per night, and the figure differs across the age and from one person to another person. In case, if you are having less than six hours of sleep daily per night, you may be simply compensating your health and welfare.