Many people suffer from sleep disorders today, even in the fast-paced world of today, where it is normal to find insomnia and sleep apnea as two of the leading sleep disorders. In this blog by Sugam Hospital, the best neurology hospital in Chennai, let’s see more about insomnia and how to manage it.

What Is Insomnia?

This is a sleep disorder in which an individual cannot sleep or stay asleep, or wakes up too early and cannot return to sleep. It can be acute, short-term, or chronic, which lasts for three months or more. Causes of insomnia are quite numerous, and they can be stress, anxiety, depression, a wide array of medical conditions, and lifestyle choices such as the consumption of caffeine or irregular sleeping patterns.

Signs Of Insomnia

Those suffering from insomnia may present with any of the following signs:

• Poor focus
• Daytime drowsiness or sleepiness
• Mood disorders, such as irritability or anxiety
• Increased risk of accidents or errors

What Is Sleep Apnea?

This is a major sleep disorder condition in which an individual experiences repeated episodes of difficulty breathing while sleeping. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, where throat muscles relax and obstruct the airway. There is the minor form of sleep apnea, however, where the brain fails to appropriately activate the muscles that manage breathing.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

The symptoms of this disorder can significantly interfere with one’s daily activities, as are given below

• Serious snoring
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Developing a pattern of drowsiness during the day
• Sleep Disorders Diagnosis

Diagnosis of insomnia and sleep apnea through our Neurology specialist in Chennai is commonly covered with a detailed history and physical examination, but might sometimes require some sleep studies. Insomnia may sometimes necessitate using a sleep diary from a healthcare provider, where there may be documentation of patterns over a few weeks. This is often used to assess sleep apnea, because there is a need for a sleep study referred to as polysomnography in observing breathing patterns, rate, and levels of oxygen throughout sleep. Management of Insomnia

Management Of Insomnia Often Involves:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: This is a structured intervention program that enables the individual to identify and alter those thinking patterns and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems.

Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep hygiene is about creating a sleep-conducive environment and observing regular timings as well as avoiding stimulants before bedtime.

Medications: The prescribing of sleep aids is done more frequently by healthcare providers as a short-term measure.

Management Of Sleep Apnea

Management of sleep apnea may include a number of approaches:

Continuous positive airway pressure: This is most common when a machine blows air through a mask to keep the airway open while asleep.

Lifestyle changes: A considerable loss in body weight, regular exercise, and avoidance of alcohol and sedatives often help improve this condition

Surgery: Sometimes, surgery may be done in order to remove excess tissue in the throat or to correct anatomical abnormalities that contribute to sleep apnea.

Being recognized and managed, sleep disorders like insomnia or even sleep apnea are considered important in the maintenance of overall health and well-being. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder, consult a neurologist in Chennai who can make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan. Improving quality sleep will create enormous differences in mood, cognitive function, and physical health.