During sleep, our body comes to rest, regenerates and draws strength for the challenges of the coming day. Experiences are processed and newly learnt skills are consolidated. Sleep plays a very special and vital role in our lives. It can therefore be all the more serious if our sleep is disturbed over a longer period of time – whether due to internal or external influences. As experts in the field of sleep, in this article we would like to provide an overview of the numerous reasons for sleep problems, their causes, consequences and possible solutions.
What are sleep problems?
Difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep are usually referred to as sleep problems. These can occur in the short term or regularly and over a longer period of time. Sleep can be affected by acute infections, stress and problems of a private or professional nature, but also by the anticipation of an upcoming event. A mattress that is too soft or too hard or a blanket that is too thin or too thick can also impair nightly rest and sleep. However, these internal and external influences are often short-lived and can be remedied quite easily – as in the case of unsuitable bedding. But what if sleep problems occur over a longer period of time?
The most common form of sleep problems is insomnia, which is the technical term for sleeplessness or lack of sleep. This is said to be the case if problems falling asleep or sleeping through the night occur on no fewer than three nights within a week. Even if you are wide awake at dawn after too little sleep and can no longer fall asleep, this is classed as insomnia.
Sleep problems: What are the consequences?
Extreme tiredness even during the day, fatigue, low mood, reduced performance and resilience as well as impairments in everyday life and work can be the result of long-term sleep problems. A condition that can mean a considerable loss of quality of life for those affected. The resulting worries and anxieties can in turn have a negative impact on sleep. A vicious circle begins from which it is difficult to escape.
What are the causes of sleep problems?
There can be many different reasons for poor sleep. For example, eating too much fatty and hearty food, drinking alcohol, coffee or nicotine, especially just before going to bed, can cause sleep problems. However, too little exercise or doing sport too late in the evening can also be a sleep killer. The pressures of everyday life and work, stress and problems of various kinds cause the mind to spin and create inner restlessness. Travelling to other time zones and shift work can also disrupt the sleep rhythm and lead to insomnia. Taking medication – including sleeping pills – is just as often a cause of insomnia as depression or anxiety disorders. A snoring partner can have a sleep-robbing effect, as can nocturnal breathing interruptions in sleep apnoeics. Changes in hormone levels due to the menopause can also be a cause of sleep problems in women.
Which illnesses can cause sleep problems?
Some people affected by sleep problems cannot fall asleep or stay asleep at night because their legs tingle and hurt. They suffer from so-called restless leg syndrome and feel the irrepressible urge to move their legs to alleviate the tingling. Other illnesses can also have a negative impact on night-time sleep, such as narcolepsy, which is classed as hypersomnia.
Hypersomnia is a sleep addiction that manifests itself in pronounced daytime sleepiness. The problems falling asleep and sleeping through the night described in this article can also lead to hypersomnia, as those affected are not rested and tired during the day due to reduced night-time sleep. Narcolepsy, however, leads to an extreme need for sleep, regardless of the quality and duration of sleep at night.
What treatment is available for sleep disorders?
Some sleep problems can be solved quickly and easily. You can buy a new and suitable mattress or duvet, change your diet or at least move your mealtimes forward. Avoiding alcohol, nicotine and coffee and practising healthy sleep hygiene with regular bedtimes will help you to sleep. Natural household remedies such as valerian or lavender can also help to alleviate minor sleep problems.
However, a doctor should always be consulted if the sleep disorders are due to more serious causes and/or illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders, restless leg syndrome, etc. and if the level of suffering is high.
