Sleep disorders: types and methods of treatment
According to statistics, **30% of people on the planet suffer from various sleep disorders**. In medical references, several conditions fall under the category of *sleep disturbances*, which may be symptoms or consequences of other diseases. Simply put, sleep disorders are an individual feeling of insufficient sleep not caused by external stimuli. In most cases, they are a result of a serious underlying illness that needs treatment.
Symptomatic Manifestations
The main symptom of sleep disorders is naturally a feeling of lack of restful sleep. In this case, a person feels as though they haven't slept enough, even after spending a long time in bed. Usually, this condition occurs due to frequent awakenings during the night or difficulty falling asleep over a prolonged period. Secondary symptoms include:
- General fatigue;
- Drowsiness during the day;
- Short episodes of daytime sleepiness;
- Weakness even after waking up.
Sometimes these symptoms can subside with a long rest in a calm environment, free of external irritants. However, more often than not, these signs indicate the presence of a specific sleep disorder.
Main Classification of Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders related to lack of sleep can generally be divided into three categories:
- Parasomnias;
- Insomnias;
- Post-sleep disorders.
Each group has certain characteristic signs indicating its presence. Without timely treatment, any of these disorders can not only prevent a person from living a full life but also lead to more severe health problems. Any of them can progress into a chronic form, which is difficult to cure completely.
Parasomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep, accompanied by anxiety, a sense of danger, and obsessive fear of not being able to fall asleep — often recurring daily. Insomnia is characterized by frequent awakenings during the night, making it difficult or impossible to fall back asleep. People suffering from post-sleep disorders get very little sleep overall — meaning their body doesn’t get enough time for full recovery and restoration.
Causes of Sleep Disorders
First and foremost, it's important to remember that sleep disorders are not illnesses in themselves, but rather consequences of other underlying conditions. Therefore, during treatment, it's essential to identify what disease caused the disruption. Doctors distinguish several common causes of sleep disorders:
- Stress or psychological issues;
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and other negative emotional reactions;
- Chronic diseases causing strong or persistent pain;
- Sudden change in usual climatic environment;
- Alcohol abuse and use of psychoactive substances.
Diagnostic Methods
To determine the exact cause of a particular sleep disorder, it’s necessary to conduct a series of clinical tests, including psychological evaluations and specialized procedures. In some cases, monitoring during actual sleep is required. For this purpose, special devices are used to record sleep phases, pulse rate, and heart rhythm.
Treatment Methods for Sleep Disorders
Since effective treatment of sleep disorders cannot be conducted remotely, doctors usually recommend inpatient care at a hospital, nursing home, or sanatorium. This is especially important because full recovery requires a favorable change in environment, proper nutrition, and plenty of fresh air.
In the “Berezoviy Gai” sanatorium, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders are carried out by qualified therapists and neurologists using the following methods:
- Non-pharmacological regulation of sleep-wake cycle;
- Electrosleep therapy;
- Restoration of a healthy eating schedule;
- Individually tailored physical exercise program;
- Interference current therapy.
The staff at the "Berezoviy Gai" sanatorium guarantees high-quality diagnostics and comprehensive care for every guest, taking into account all personal preferences and needs. You can familiarize yourself with the stunning natural surroundings, professional therapeutic equipment, and other unique features of the sanatorium in the website section «Photo Gallery».