Anyone can have a little trouble sleeping from time to time. This is especially likely since sleepless nights can be caused by anxiety, stressful situations, or even a little too much alcohol. However, if you’re constantly unable to get a good night’s sleep, there could be more to it. These three sleep disorders can make it difficult to sleep well consistently, which may affect your overall health. Fortunately, they can be managed.
1. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
As the name suggests, restless leg syndrome (RLS) is characterized by the involuntary need to move the legs. There may also be an incessant tingling sensation that doesn’t seem to go away.
While it can strike during the day, it’s more likely to affect you in the late evenings and into the night. Some people alleviate the symptoms by walking around and shaking their legs.
RLS typically makes it hard to fall asleep because the symptoms get worse when you lie down or keep still for prolonged periods.
The exact cause of the condition can’t always be determined but it can sometimes be associated with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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2. Sleep apnea
With sleep apnea, your breathing is interrupted during the night. These interruptions mean you wake up often though you may not always be aware of it. This lack of sleep can result in chronic fatigue, trouble concentrating, and memory issues.
Typically, there are two types of the condition and they’re categorized based on what causes the interrupted breathing.
In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the soft tissue at the back of your throat blocks the airway. In central sleep apnea (CSA), your brain doesn’t tell your body to breathe. The second type is rare but you’re likely to be aware of all the times you wake up. If you snore a lot, it can