Sleep….
Vital for Health.
Sleep is like a vital reset button for our bodies and minds. When we sleep, a wide range of processes are set in motion that repair, restore, and maintain the functions of our brain and body. These include things like cell repair and growth, memory consolidation, and brain function optimisation.
Not getting enough high-quality sleep makes us susceptible to cognitive deficits, impaired decision-making, decreased immune response and disrupted hormone regulation, as well as increasing the risk of weight gain, heart conditions and fluctuations in mood.
Sleep disorders present in many different forms, affecting the quantity, quality, or timing of sleep and leading to disruptions in the natural sleep-wake cycle. When this delicate balance is disrupted, it can have significant and adverse effects on our daily lives.
Sleep is more than a luxury - it’s a key ingredient for staying healthy and functioning at our best.
Shift work, Jet Lag and Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Circadian rhythm disorders stem from disruptions to the body's natural sleep-wake rhythm, such as shift work sleep disorder jet lag. These disorders can result in difficulties falling asleep, staying awake during the desired hours, and achieving restful sleep.
Insomnia.
Insomnia is characterised by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep, often resulting in fatigue, impaired concentration, and mood disturbances during the day.
It is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, with chronic insomnia affecting an estimated 10% of the global population. More than 1 in 4 adults worldwide report at least one symptom of insomnia each month.
There are many underlying causes of insomnia, and it can be classified into several subtypes based on its duration, severity, and potential underlying causes.
Common subtypes include:
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Brief episodes of sleep disruption triggered by stress, significant life changes, or situational factors.
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Persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep, occurring at least three nights per week for three months or more.
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Insomnia occurring alongside other medical, psychiatric, or sleep disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or sleep apnea.
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Difficulty staying asleep, characterised by frequent awakenings during the night or early morning awakenings with an inability to return to sleep.
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Difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night, delaying the initiation of the sleep cycle.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea involves intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep, which can disrupt the sleep cycle and lead to increased risks of cardiovascular problems and daytime sleepiness.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by uncontrollable bouts of excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness or paralysis triggered by strong emotions.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) manifests as uncomfortable sensations in the legs during rest, compelling movement and affecting the ability to fall and stay asleep.