Strategies for Coping With a Chronic Sleep Disorder

People who are battling a chronic sleep disorder often have difficulty getting enough sleep at night. Doctors generally advise most adults to aim for anywhere between seven to nine hours of sleep daily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 70 million people in the U.S. are struggling with some form of chronic sleep disorder.

Sleep disorders can be temporary, like the brief disruption of sleep caused by jet lag or routine occurrences. This is the case with insomnia, the most reported sleep disorder in the U.S. Acute or short-term insomnia is usually caused by issues like trauma or stress disrupting sleep patterns, while chronic insomnia is characterized by sleep being disrupted for more than three nights each week for over three months.

Five strategies that will help you cope with a chronic sleep disorder

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for sleep disorders since factors like the type of sleep disorder and its cause dictate which treatments would be most effective. A person is said to have primary insomnia when their sleep disorder is a standalone condition and secondary insomnia if there is some underlying health condition or medication causing it. Some of the things anyone dealing with a sleep disorder can do to get more quality sleep include:

1. Get diagnosed

Figuring out the root cause of a patient’s sleep disorder is the first step toward restoring their sleep quality. Disorders like sleep apnea can be caused by issues like a person’s airway blocking their breathing while they sleep or their jaw being poorly positioned. A sleep apnea dentist can provide such patients with oral appliances that ensure their airways remain open as they sleep.

2. Sleep in a cool, dark room

Many people enjoy their best sleep in quiet, cool, dark rooms with no artificial light. Anyone who struggles with getting enough sleep at night should consider making some changes to ensure their bodies are ready for sleep.

3. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule

Going to bed and waking up around the same time daily helps to train a person’s body to relax when it is time for bed. The human body loves routine, so it is best to resist the urge to go to sleep a little later on the weekends.

4. Take a break from electronics an hour before bed

Anyone who struggles to fall asleep should turn off all their electronic devices for at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted from these devices tricks the brain into thinking it is still daytime, reducing the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone that regulates sleep.

5. Limit caffeine consumption hours before sleep

People react to caffeine differently, but those who struggle with sleep disorders should aim to avoid consuming any for at least five hours before sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant, and it makes it harder for the brain to relax enough to fall asleep.

We can help restore your sleep

When was the last time you enjoyed a good night’s rest? Give us a call or visit our Red Bluff clinic to explore treatment options with our sleep apnea dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentalsleepsolutionsgroup.com or call Dental Sleep Solutions Group at (530) 727-6080 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.

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