A sleep disorder is when something interrupts your normal sleep patterns, making it hard for you to sleep well. This interruption can happen in different ways. For example, you might have trouble falling asleep, wake up often during the night, or feel tired even after sleeping.
There are various types of sleep disorders. Some people have insomnia, which means they struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. Others might have sleep apnea, where they stop breathing for short periods during sleep.
Narcolepsy causes sudden sleep attacks, while restless legs syndrome makes you feel uncomfortable sensations in your legs that make it hard to sleep.
Sleep disorders can affect your daily life. They can make you feel tired, moody, or have trouble concentrating. If you’re struggling with sleep problems, it’s important to talk to a doctor.
They can help figure out what’s causing your sleep issues and suggest ways to improve your sleep quality.
Yes, a sleep disorder can be considered a type of mental illness, although it’s not always the case. Mental illness refers to conditions that affect a person’s thinking, emotions, behavior, or mood.
Sleep disorders can sometimes be linked to mental health issues because they can affect your thoughts, emotions, and behavior due to lack of proper rest.
Some sleep disorders may also be caused or worsened by underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In these cases, treating the mental health condition may help improve sleep quality.
However, not all sleep disorders are directly linked to mental illness. Some may be caused by medical conditions, medication side effects, lifestyle factors, or environmental factors.
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to address sleep disorders because they can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning and overall health.
Dr. Rahul Mathur
Consultant Neuropsychiatris