Sleep disturbances affect nearly everyone at some point. Getting quality sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. When our sleep is disrupted regularly, it can lead to chronic health issues over time. There are various types of sleep disorders that make it difficult to get restful sleep.
Some common categories of sleep disturbances include:
- Insomnia - Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Sleep apnea - Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Restless leg syndrome - Uncomfortable sensations in the legs before sleep
- Circadian rhythm disorders - Misaligned sleep/wake cycles
Insomnia is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders. Both acute and chronic insomnia make it hard to sleep well on a regular basis.
Acute insomnia may be caused by stress or a disruptive event.
Chronic insomnia involves difficulty sleeping at least 3 nights per week for at least 3 months.
Sleep apnea is another concern for many people. This disorder causes people to briefly stop breathing many times through the night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea which occurs when throat muscles intermittently block the airway during sleep.
Restless leg syndrome leads to unpleasant tingling or crawling sensations in the legs. It typically happens when lying down and during the evening hours. These sensations can make it very difficult to fall asleep.
Circadian rhythm disorders occur when our natural sleep/wake cycle gets disrupted. For example, jet lag is a temporary circadian rhythm disorder. Shift work disorder is chronic and caused by overnight work schedules conflicting with the body's natural circadian rhythms.
If you struggle with
sleep disturbances, know that you're not alone. Be sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. They can determine if an underlying condition may be causing your sleep issues. Your doctor may recommend changing sleep behaviors, medications, using breathing devices for apnea, or refer you to a
sleep specialist.
At Renew Hormone Institute, we specialize in using
bioidentical hormone therapy to help both men and women restore healthy hormonal balances related to sleep and circadian rhythms.
Melatonin, cortisol, and reproductive hormones all play a role in getting quality sleep. We provide personalized care plans to address hormone deficiencies or imbalances that could be interfering with your sleep.
Our exceptional team of medical providers, led by Dr. Jane Smith, creates customized treatment plans to help patients finally get the restful sleep their bodies need. We accept most major insurance plans at our Pittsburgh clinic.
Please () or call 555-0123 to learn more about how we can help you sleep better tonight! We look forward to working together towards your sleep health goals.