What Impact Does a Lack of Sleep Have?
Watch the video to explore the impacts that a lack of sleep can have on your physical and mental wellbeing.
Discover some of the most common sleep problems in this useful video . . .
Sleep disturbances or sleeping problems refer to any condition that interferes with an individual's ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get a good quality of sleep. Sleep disturbances can affect anyone at any age and can have a significant impact on a person's physical and mental well-being.
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disturbances, affecting approximately 30% of adults at some point in their lives. Insomnia can manifest in different ways, including difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently throughout the night, or waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep. Insomnia can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, or medications.
Partner disturbance is another common cause of sleep disturbances. Sharing a bed with a partner who snores loudly, moves around during the night, or has a different sleep schedule can disrupt one's sleep patterns. The resulting sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, irritability, and mood disturbances.
Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the United Kingdom. If someone suffers from sleep apnea, the individual's breathing is temporarily interrupted or becomes shallow, causing them to wake up repeatedly throughout the night. This condition can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and even an increased risk of accidents due to falling asleep while driving or operating machinery. Sleep apnea can be caused by various factors, including obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and certain medical conditions.
Other common causes of sleep disturbances include restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and narcolepsy. Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, leading to a strong urge to move them, which can interfere with sleep. Periodic limb movement disorder is characterised by involuntary jerking movements of the legs or arms during sleep, which can also disrupt sleep. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and can lead to sudden episodes of falling asleep during the day.
In conclusion, sleep disturbances can have a significant impact on an individual's health, well-being, and quality of life. It is essential to identify and address the underlying causes of sleep disturbances to prevent long-term health consequences. If you are experiencing sleep disturbances, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of treatment.