Sleep is an important part of your overall health and well-being. It is recommended that adults get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. The quantity and quality of your sleep is critically important. Sleep is restorative and can help ensure your long-term health. It is also beneficial for concentration, mood, and energy levels. Issues with sleep can result in serious health issues and negatively impact your daily life. Sleep disorders are common and impact a number of Americans. You may wonder, what is the link between narcolepsy and insomnia? Below you will find more information about the sleep disorders and how to get effective treatment.
What is the link between narcolepsy and insomnia?
Narcolepsy and insomnia are both sleep disorders that can negatively impact your life. Both conditions have the same chemical messenger. The chemical messenger is orexin and it is partially responsible for activating certain parts of your brain. Most importantly the part of your brain that promotes wakefulness. Those with narcolepsy have fewer nerve cells that produce this chemical messenger. Alternatively, those with insomnia produce too much or it sees release at the wrong time, specifically at night.
Narcolepsy and Insomnia
Both narcolepsy and insomnia share a chemical messenger called orexin. However, while they exist as both sleep disorders, they have some unique differences. Consider the following information about both narcolepsy and insomnia.
Narcolepsy:
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that is chronic. It is characterized by disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle, sudden and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep, and excessive sleepiness during the day. People with the condition suffer from unwanted symptoms. This includes sleep paralysis, vivid dreams, and difficulty sleeping at night.
The issue with narcolepsy is that researchers don’t know the exact cause of the condition. It is not fully understood either. However, there are ways to manage the condition. Narcolepsy treatments include medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both.
Insomnia:
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can negatively impact people’s daily life. It proves characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. People with the condition also have difficulty getting restorative sleep. Additional side effects of the condition can cause issues during daily life. This happens because insomnia can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an overall tired feeling.
There are two different types of insomnia, including acute and chronic. Acute insomnia usually proves triggered by an event and does not last for long periods. Alternatively, chronic insomnia occurs when there are sleep issues for more than a few nights a week for a few months. Still, this is often caused by stress, anxiety, depression, certain medical conditions, or even lifestyle habits. There are effective treatment options for both types of insomnia. Addressing the underlying cause in combination with medication or lifestyle changes is highly effective.
Sleep Disorder Treatment
Sleep is extremely important for your physical and mental health. For those that struggle with sleep, there are effective treatment options that can dramatically improve your life. A skilled and experienced sleep specialist can diagnose your condition. From there, they can create a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs. The type of treatment depends on the sleep disorder, your current symptoms, and the security of your condition. Common treatment options include medication, a sleep schedule, and a healthy lifestyle choice. Staying active and having a support system is extremely beneficial for those struggling with a sleep disorder.
If you suffer from sleep issues, contact the team at Sleep MD today. They are skilled in treating a variety of sleep disorders. They have helped countless patients improve their sleep and effectively manage their condition. Contact their office today to schedule an appointment!
