x
Sleeping disorders are a group of conditions that affect sleep patterns. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, in the United States, about 40 million people suffer from sleep disturbances each year, and around 20 million people experience occasional episodes.
Do you suffer from a sleeping disorder? There are many different types of conditions that affect sleep patterns, and they have different symptoms and causes. It is essential to know the specific condition to find the best treatments. Most people occasionally experience sleeping problems due to stress or hectic schedules—but when these issues begin to occur on a regular basis and interfere with daily life, they are considered sleeping disorders.
Common causes include:
Insomnia makes it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep, and can cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. Many adults experience short-term insomnia in response to stressful periods or traumatic events, but some people have chronic insomnia that lasts for a month or more.
Insomnia may be the primary problem, but in some cases, it is associated with other conditions such as stress, hectic work schedules, irregular bedtime schedules, stimulating activities before bed, uncomfortable sleep environment, and eating too much late in the evening. Additional possible causes of insomnia include mental disorders, drugs such as pain medications, and medical conditions such as diabetes, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
There are different types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form, and it occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax. When this happens, the airway narrows and the person experiences breathing difficulties. The brain senses this inability to breathe, which leads to a sudden awakening to reopen the airway. This pattern can occur 5 to 30 times or more each hour, all night long. People with obstructive sleep apnea may not be aware that their sleep was disrupted.
Central sleep apnea is a less common form of sleep apnea that occurs when the brain is not able to transmit signals to your breathing muscles. The person who experiences this type of sleep apnea may awaken with shortness of breath or struggle to sleep or stay asleep.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes an urge to move legs—this usually happens in the evening or nighttime hours. Restless legs syndrome can begin at any age and disrupt sleep. The chief symptom is an urge to move the legs. Common characteristics associated with this condition include sensations that begin after rest (sitting, lying down), temporary relief with movement (stretching, walking), worsening of symptoms in the evening, and nighttime leg twitching. People who are affected describe the sensations as:
Experts suspect the condition may be caused by a dopamine imbalance in the brain, which sends messages to control muscle movement. Sometimes restless legs syndrome runs in families, especially if the condition starts before age 40. Pregnancy or hormonal changes may make symptoms worse.
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder which causes daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. People who suffer from narcolepsy often struggle to stay awake for long periods of time. Symptoms of narcolepsy usually begin between the ages of 10 and 25, and they include:
The cause of narcolepsy is unknown, but experts think that this condition might be related to low levels of the chemical hypocretin, an important neurochemical in the brain that helps regulate wakefulness and REM sleep.
Treatment for sleep disorders depends on the type and specific causes—it usually includes a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes. Medical treatments include:
Lifestyle changes can improve your quality of sleep, especially when they are combined with medical treatments.
Amino acids play a key role in almost all biological processes, and a balanced supply of nutrients, including amino acids, is essential for well-being. As physical and mental disorders can affect sleep patterns, amino acids can be incredibly effective in treating a sleeping disorder. What are the amino acids recommended for sleeping disorders?
Studies show that stress lowers the levels of glutamine in the body. Glutamine supplements during stressful times can provide immune and intestinal cells with the energy they need to function properly. By balancing the immune system, glutamine reduces stress, depression, and anxiety. Glutamine also increases the production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which calms the mind, and improves sleep quality.
The amino acid tryptophan (also called L-tryptophan) increases the production of serotonin (the feel-good hormone). When serotonin levels are low, mood and sleep are affected—tryptophan boosts sensations of well-being and induces sleep. Food sources of tryptophan can be helpful, but the best results have been found using tryptophan as a supplement. Supplements help decrease the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and improve mood and sleep quality.
Data of studies conducted on healthy subjects showed that glycine significantly reduced fatigue and sleepiness. The participants took 3 grams of glycine before bedtime—visual analog scale (VAS) and a questionnaire were used to evaluate results. According to another study conducted by the Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, glycine can reduce symptoms in people suffering from sleep disorders.
Regardless of the specific sleeping disorder, taking a complete mixture of all the essential amino acids is crucial. Using doses of a single amino acid can be counterproductive because the body needs a balance in all things—especially amino acids. The best strategy to ensure the treatment is effective is to take a balanced essential amino acid mixture—amino acids play a crucial role in maintaining brain health, especially during stressful periods. When the body produces and receives the right levels of amino acids, muscles get stronger, the brain gets sharper, and sleep quality improves.
AGING - MUSCLE LOSS- DISEASE ARE YOU AT RISK: LEARN MORE
