Sleep is one of the basic requirements of human beings. Those who suffer from sleep disorders find their normal lives being disrupted due to a lack of fulfilling sleep. However, it’s not very common to do something about it. We must not only understand what disorder we are suffering from but also accordingly initiate its treatment.

Major Sleep Disorders:

Insomnia - This is a condition in which a person faces difficulty in falling asleep. It is the most common form of sleep disorder. The intensity differs from person to person. Emotional difficulties, stress, intake of too much alcohol or caffeine are the main culprits of insomnia. When it occurs, a person feels very tired. For short-term insomnia sleeping pills prove to be very helpful. However, those suffering from long-term insomnia do not get any positive help from the sleeping pills. A visit to the doctor is the only remedy.

Sleep Apnea – A person suffering from it suddenly stops breathing while he is asleep. Carbon dioxide builds up in the blood and a person’s intake of oxygen gets diminished. He wakes up gasping for breath. The duration of stopping of breathing varies from person to person. For some, it may be dangerously long and cause the skin to turn blue due to lack of oxygen. While for others it can be for just a few seconds. Whatever, the duration is, consulting a physician is most advisable.

Night Terrors – Children between the age of 2 - 6 are the main sufferers of night terrors. However, it can affect even adults. It can last from 5-30 minutes. After this, the sufferer goes to normal sleep. Fear, panic, heavy breathing, sweating, etc. are the symptoms of this disorder. Going for professional help is advisable if the condition is severe.

Narcolepsy – A person suffering from this sleep disorder suffers from extensive sleepiness. Narcoleptics can fall asleep even while driving and hence this disorder poses many threats to a sufferer’s well-being and should be treated with priority.

All the sleep disorders can be treated with medication and therapy depending upon the underlying cause. The duration and type of treatment depend on the intensity of the problem. It is advisable not to be ignorant about sleep disorders and not to ignore them as well.