Insomnia and Sleep Deprivation – The Opposite of Each
Between 50-7 million Americans suffer from various sleep disorders, making it difficult to get the restorative slumber everyone needs. A good night’s sleep not only helps you feel alert and refreshed during the day but it can also improve mental health and lower the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Many people struggle with the distinction between insomnia and hypersomnia, a disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep or requires excessive amounts of shut-eye. By understanding the two conditions better, you can get treatment for either one.
Insomnia is a widespread condition that affects nearly half of Americans, often causing disruption to your sleep and daytime functioning. While most people experience some form of insomnia at some point in their lives, when it becomes chronic it can pose serious problems.
Signs of sleep deprivation may include difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early in the morning, and not feeling rested after sleeping. Other indications may include slowed thinking, confusion, and difficulty focusing.
Other symptoms may include mood disruptions such as anxiety or depression. These changes may make it harder to sleep.
Narcolepsy: this common condition alters your sleep cycles, leading to frequent bouts of daytime sleepiness or periods of interrupted or shortened snooze at night.
Untreated sleep disorders can have serious health repercussions if left untreated. Fortunately, both conditions are treatable with medication and non-drug therapies.