Sleep Disorders and Stress Management

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A sleeping disorder affects many people both physically and emotionally. It affects an individual physically in that one feels restless and tired due to lack of enough sleep. It also affects one’s emotions by creating anxiety and panic due to lack of sleep.

There are different types and causes of sleeping disorders that may be experienced by those who suffer from the disease.

Stress is the major cause of sleeping disorders. It is the failure of human being to respond appropriately physically or emotionally. It may lead to tension which normally drives sleep away hence one may end up suffering from lack of enough sleep. If not contained, it will lead to other complex diseases such as hypertension and ulcers.

Night terror is another form of sleep disorder. People who experience trauma have the tendency of waking from sleep abruptly. This may result from horrible nightmares, hence one my not enjoy his or her sleep. Such persons may experience fatigue and sleepiness in the workplace.

Teeth grinding during sleep is a common form of sleep disorder reported widely. Both the young and old may experience this type of disorder. It is more of a habit than a health problem. Major symptoms for this disorder are pain in jaws, neck pains, back pains and shoulder pains.

Sleepwalking is also a sleep disorder. This makes a sleepwalker engage in activities of which the  conscious mind is unaware. They may engage in activities like walking, dressing or eating as if they are awake. It is a dangerous disorder as sleepwalkers may endanger their lives or other people’s lives. Many of them have died due to falling from buildings or other accidents.

Nocturia is a disorder that involves short trips to the bathroom while one is sleeping. This leads to lack of enough sleep as one has to wake up every time he/she experiences nocturia.

Sleep disorder treatment can be categorized as in Ilchi Lee Books: rehabilitation, medicinal and behavioral treatments. Rehabilitation treatment involves visiting of rehabilitation centers to engage in activities like going to the gym and other activities that relieve stress and tension by enabling one to relax.

Medicinal treatment involves obtaining a prescription from professional doctor because the current medication available could be abused by people who want to use depressants. The patient is expected to take the medicine as per the doctor’s prescription.

Behavioral treatment involves relaxation training, stimulus control, sleep restrictions, sleep hygiene etc. Relaxation training entails deep breathing technique that enables one to relax. Also there is use of muscles progressive exercises and imagery that also makes the patients to relax their minds.

Related articles

• Sleep disorders – All Information (umm.edu)
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Neurologic Disease (psychologytoday.com)
• Sleep-disordered breathing comes at a heavy cost (physorg.com)