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Causes of dyssomnia -

Dyssomnia can be caused by any number of factors, including mental health disorders and other medical disorders. When talking with your healthcare provider, it's helpful to provide a clear picture of your habits and lifestyle, including alcohol use and any recent life events. 

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Types of sleep disorders -

To understand which types of conditions are grouped under dyssomnias, it can be helpful to understand that sleep disorders in general are broadly classified into two types: primary sleep disorders and secondary sleep disorders. 

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Primary sleep disorders -

Primary sleep disorders aren't caused by any other health conditions. Dyssomnias are included in this group. 

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Secondary sleep disorders -

These disorders are caused by other health conditions, such as depression, stroke, arthritis, asthma, or thyroid problems.

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Types of dyssomnias -

Dyssomnias can be broadly categorized into three types; intrinsic sleep disorders, extrinsic sleep disorders, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

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Insomnia -

One of the most famous sleep disorders, insomnia can make it difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep. It's often caused by stress or emotional distress.

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Intrinsic sleep disorders -

These types of dyssomnias are caused by an internal dysfunction affecting your sleep ability.

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Hypersomnia -

Hypersomnia is the inability to stay awake and alert during the day, despite having gotten adequate sleep at night.

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Narcolepsy -

A neurological condition, narcolepsy can interfere with the brain's ability to control sleep-wake cycles. You may feel rested when you wake up but then feel very sleepy during the day, and even fall asleep while talking, eating, or driving.

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Restless legs syndrome (RLS) -

Also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, RLS is characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs that are accompanied by a powerful urge to move them. It can make it difficult to fall asleep or go back to sleep.

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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) -

OSA is a condition where your breathing temporarily pauses while you're sleeping, due to blocked or narrowed airways in the throat. It's typically characterized by loud snoring, although snoring doesn't necessarily mean someone has sleep apnea.

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Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) -

PLMD is characterized by frequent, involuntary limb movements during sleep, making it hard to get restful sleep. Arms and legs may jerk and twitch while sleeping.

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Jet lag disorder -

Traveling across more than two time zones can disrupt your circadian rhythm. Often coming with headaches, it can take a few days or weeks until you can regularize your sleep schedule.

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Extrinsic sleep disorders -

Extrinsic disorders are caused by external factors that affect sleep, such as the environment or your health habits.

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Nocturnal eating syndrome (NES) -

NES can cause you to wake up several times at night to eat, making you feel like you can't go back to sleep unless you eat something. It can go hand in hand with insomnia. 

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Poor sleep hygiene -

Sleep hygiene involves maintaining healthy habits around sleep, such as going to bed at the same time every day and avoiding screens before bed. 

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Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSWPD) -

DSWPD typically affects teenagers and causes them to go to bed later than usual, making it difficult for them to wake up on time in the morning.

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Circadian rhythm sleep disorders -

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are types of dyssomnias that are caused by irregular timings, which interfere with the body's circadian rhythm.

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Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) -

SWSD typically affects people who work irregular hours, such as night shifts or rotating shifts. Affecting the body's internal clock, it causes you to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

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Advanced sleep-phase syndrome (ASPS) -

People with ASPS have trouble staying awake at night and have difficulty going back to sleep once they've woken up early in the morning. 

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Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (N24SWD) -

People with this condition have the same length of sleep time per day, but their internal clock is shorter or longer than 24 hours. As light perception plays a major role in regulating circadian rhythms, most people with N24SWD are totally blind. 

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Symptoms -

Symptoms vary depending on the type of dyssomnia. However, common symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness or feeling unrested when waking up in the morning. 

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Diagnosing dyssomnias -

Sleep specialists can diagnose dyssomnias by performing a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, to monitor various biological parameters while you sleep. They will also review your personal and family medical history. 

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Treating dyssomnias -

Sleep disorder treatment depends on what's causing your dyssomnia. Make sure to share a list of your symptoms with your doctor so you can make a plan for getting the right diagnosis and treatment. 

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A healthy lifestyle -

Studies have continuously shown that a healthy diet and regular exercise contribute to the quality of one's sleep. So if you're having trouble getting a good night's rest, consider what you're eating and how you can revamp your exercise routine. 

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Relaxation - Relaxation exercises like meditation and yoga can help you manage your stress and anxiety levels, which affects your sleep.

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Cognitive behavioral therapy -

Some people may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy to remove the stress and anxiety around trying to sleep.

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Bright light therapy - Bright light therapy, particularly in the mornings, can help reset your internal clock. This is especially beneficial if you live in a colder and darker climate.

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Medication or supplements -

You may need medication to help symptoms get better. Sleeping pills are generally prescribed for short-term use. Supplements, such as melatonin, are also recommended only for short-term use.

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Good sleep hygiene habits -

Sleep hygiene refers to both your sleep environment and behavior. It includes setting a strict sleep schedule, following a bedtime routine, and forming healthy habits.

Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Sleep Foundation) (Johns Hopkins Medicine) 

See also: Sleep tourism: would you go on a sleep vacation?

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