Sleep disorders or sleep problems

Sleep

Sleep is a necessary biological function that is important for our physical and mental health. The precise reasons why we need sleep are not yet fully understood. Sleep ensures that the body can recover. During sleep, important processes take place, such as muscle recovery, tissue growth and the immune system is updated. Memories are also processed and stored during sleep, which contributes to our ability to remember and learn new information.

REM and NREM Sleep:

During sleep we go through different stages, which can be roughly divided into REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

NREM sleep is divided into three stages, the first of which is the transition stage from wakefulness to deeper sleep. The second stage is a period of light sleep, while the third stage, also known as slow wave sleep, is the deepest stage of sleep. During NREM sleep, important physiological processes take place, such as tissue repair and growth.

REM sleep, as the name implies, is characterized by rapid eye movements and increased brain activity, similar to the waking state. It is during REM sleep that most dreams occur. This stage is essential for processing emotions and consolidating memories. In addition, during REM sleep, certain parts of the brain are active that are involved in learning and creativity.

How much sleep do you need?

The amount of sleep a person needs varies depending on several factors. In general, the need for sleep decreases as we get older. Below is an overview of the recommended sleep duration per age category:

• Newborns (0-3 months): Newborn babies need the most sleep, usually between 14 and 17 hours a day. However, they do not have a fixed sleep-wake rhythm and usually sleep in short periods of 2-4 hours.

• Infants (4-11 months): Infants typically need 12-15 hours of sleep per day, including daytime naps. They gradually start to get used to a more structured sleep-wake rhythm.

• Toddlers (1-2 years): Toddlers usually need 11-14 hours of sleep per day. This usually includes a longer nighttime period and one or two naps during the day.

• Preschoolers (3-5 years): Preschoolers need an average of 10-13 hours of sleep per day. Most children gradually stop taking daytime naps around this age.

• Primary school children (6-12 years): Children in this age group usually need 9-12 hours of sleep per night. It is important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and follow a sleep routine.

• Teenagers (13-18 years): Teenagers still need a lot of sleep, usually between 8-10 hours per night. Hormonal changes can affect teens’ sleep patterns, often causing them to go to bed later and get up later.

• Adults (18-64 years): For adults, it is usually recommended to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

• Elderly (65 years and older): Elderly people generally need slightly less sleep, usually between 7-8 hours per night. However, they may be more prone to sleep disturbances and may have difficulty maintaining an uninterrupted sleep pattern.

Several factors can influence sleep need and quality, including:

• Age: Sleep needs change as we get older. For example, newborns and infants need more sleep because of their rapid growth and development.

• Health conditions: Some medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, insomnia, chronic pain and mental disorders, can affect sleep and increase or disrupt the need for sleep.

• Lifestyle and environment: Factors such as work schedules, travel, stress levels, exercise, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and the sleep environment can all affect sleep quality and duration.

• Genetics: Sleep habits and needs may be partly genetically determined. Some people naturally need less sleep, while others need more sleep.

• Life stage: Certain life stages, such as pregnancy, can influence sleep needs. For example, pregnant women often need more sleep because of the changes in their bodies.

• Social and cultural factors: Social and cultural norms and expectations can also influence sleep habits. Work and school commitments, family responsibilities and social activities can all affect the time spent sleeping.## To dream Dreams are an interesting part of sleeping. They can be vivid and sometimes bizarre, filled with stories, images and emotions. Although the exact reasons for dreams are still not fully understood, there are several theories that attempt to explain their meaning.

A well-known theory is the psychoanalytic approach of Sigmund Freud, who stated that dreams are a window to the unconscious and that they have symbolic meanings that reflect our unfulfilled desires, fears and conflicts. According to Freud, dreams serve as an outlet for repressed emotions and impulses that cannot be fully expressed in everyday life.

Another approach, proposed by Carl Jung, is that dreams contain archetypal (kind of primordial) images and symbols related to the collective human experience. Jung believed that dreams can help us understand unconscious aspects of ourselves and achieve wholeness.

Dreams are hardly used in mainstream medicine except in psychology.

Types of sleep disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in insufficient restful sleep. People with insomnia often experience fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating. It can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, medications, or other medical conditions. Behavioral and cognitive therapies are often used to treat insomnia.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It is usually caused by an obstruction in the airways, which prevents oxygen supply to the brain. Snoring, daytime fatigue and drowsiness are common symptoms. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is often used to keep the airways open and treat sleep apnea.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness along with sudden sleep attacks. People with narcolepsy may also suffer from cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle control. Medication and behavioral modifications can help manage the symptoms of narcolepsy.

Parasomnias

Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders that cause various unusual behaviors, emotions, sensations, and experiences during sleep. They include various sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, restless legs, nightmares, sleep talking and sleep-related eating. These disorders occur during different stages of sleep and can affect behavior and quality of sleep. Behavioral adjustments, such as creating a safe sleep environment, can help manage parasomnias.

Sleep disorders in children

Sleep disorders can occur in both adults and children, but the nature and symptoms of sleep disorders can differ between these two age groups. Children often have more flexible sleep patterns than adults, and some sleep disorders may resolve on their own as they get older. Sleep disorders can lead to fatigue, irritability, concentration problems and problems with daytime functioning in children.

Insomnia in children refers often to problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, leading to insufficient sleep. In adults, insomnia often occurs due to stress, anxiety, and/or other underlying health conditions.

Nightmares are scary dreams that can wake children from sleep and cause fear and anxiety. They are common in children aged 3-6 years and can be the result of anxiety, stress or external stimuli. Nightmares can also occur in adults, but they are more often associated with specific traumatic experiences.

Sleepwalking is a behavioral disorder in which a child gets out of bed and walks around while still in a deep sleep. It is more common in children than in adults. Sleepwalking can range from simple activities such as walking around to more complex actions such as talking or even leaving the house. Sleepwalking in adults is less common and may indicate an underlying medical condition.

Bedwetting is the involuntary urination during sleep in children who have reached the age at which they should be toilet trained. It may be the result of delayed development of bladder control, a genetic predisposition, or psychological factors. Although bedwetting is rare in adults, they can sometimes experience it due to medical conditions.

Sleep apnea and snoring occur in both children and adults, but the causes and symptoms can differ. In children, sleep apnea is often associated with enlarged (nose-) tonsils, while in adults, obesity, age and other factors may play a role. Symptoms in children may include loud snoring, respiratory arrest during sleep, restlessness and daytime drowsiness.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sleep disorders can vary, but common signs include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, premature awakenings, restlessness during sleep, snoring, daytime fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

How often does it happen?

Sleep disorders are more common than you might think. It is estimated that approximately 30% of the population suffers from insomnia and around 6-10% of adults have sleep apnea.

Aggravation

Several factors can contribute to the development and worsening of sleep disorders. Stress and anxiety can negatively affect sleep, making it more difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. In addition, health problems such as for example depression, chronic pain and breathing problems can disrupt sleep. Lifestyle factors such as irregular sleep patterns, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and exposure to electronic devices before bed can also worsen sleep disorders.

Regular treatment

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat the symptoms of sleep disorders. Sleep aids can be helpful for short-term sleep problems, but they must be used carefully due to the risk of dependency and side effects. For sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be prescribed to keep the airways open during sleep.

Changing sleep habits may also be necessary, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bed.

The treatment of sleep disorders is tailor-made and depends on the specific type of sleep disorder and the individual needs of the person. Therefore, consulting a sleep specialist or a doctor with expertise in sleep medicine can be helpful in determining the most appropriate treatment.