Sleep Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods

What is a Sleep Disorder?

Sleep disorder is a general term that refers to problems a person experiences in processes such as falling asleep, staying asleep, completing sufficient sleep time, or ensuring sleep quality. These disorders can affect an individual's physical, mental, and emotional health, reducing their quality of life. There are different types, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and parasomnia. Sleep disorders can stem from various causes, such as stress, lifestyle, underlying medical conditions, or environmental factors, and usually require professional evaluation for diagnosis and treatment.

What Are the Causes of Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders can be linked to physiological causes such as fluctuations in hormone levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Hormonal changes, such as melatonin deficiency or cortisol imbalances, can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, while low oxygen levels or iron deficiency can cause restless sleep. In addition, neurotransmitter imbalances and fluctuations in blood pressure can also negatively affect sleep quality.

The causes of sleep disorders vary depending on the individual's age, gender, overall health, lifestyle, and environmental factors. For example, sleep disorders in young individuals are often related to stress or technology use, while underlying medical conditions or medication use are more common causes in older individuals. Hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and occupational factors also cause the causes to vary from person to person. Furthermore, psychological conditions and living conditions also play an important role.

The causes of sleep disorders can be listed as follows:

• Psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression,
• Respiratory problems such as sleep apnea or snoring,
• Restless leg syndrome,
• Irregular sleep hours or shift work,
• Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption,
• Excessive use of technological devices and exposure to screen light,
• Physical pain or chronic conditions,
• Thyroid problems or hormonal imbalances,
• Side effects of medications,
• Environmental factors such as noise, light, or an uncomfortable bed.

The most common causes of sleep disorders include stress, anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, irregular sleep habits, alcohol or caffeine consumption, medical conditions (sleep apnea, reflux, chronic pain), psychological disorders (depression, anxiety), hormonal changes, and environmental factors (noise, light). These factors can make it difficult to fall asleep, cause sleep to be interrupted, or lead to poor sleep quality.

What is Sleep Disorder Treatment?

Sleep disorder treatment is a clinical service that aims to address and eliminate the causes of various sleep disorders. Treatment may include various approaches, ranging from lifestyle changes to behavioral therapies and medication, depending on the type of disorder. Sleep hygiene practices include establishing a regular sleep schedule, improving the sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective method, especially for treating insomnia. Medication should be administered under a doctor's supervision and is usually short-term. Special methods such as CPAP devices may be used for specific disorders like sleep apnea. The treatment process is planned individually by a specialist.

How Are Sleep Disorders Treated?

Sleep disorders are treated with specific approaches based on their causes and types. At the Acıbadem Healthcare Group Sleep Disorders Department, the causes of conditions such as snoring, sleep-related breathing problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, and insomnia are thoroughly investigated in sleep laboratories. In addition, differential diagnosis of parasomnias and epilepsy is performed, and epileptic seizures occurring during sleep can be observed using a synchronized video-EEG monitoring system. In diseases such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, treatment is planned by determining the appropriate pressure levels for CPAP or BIPAP devices. For certain patient groups, home sleep studies may be preferred. Treatment is customized by specialists according to the needs of each patient.
Sleep disorder treatment methods include:

• Detailed examination and diagnostic studies in the sleep laboratory,
• Use of CPAP or BIPAP devices for snoring and breathing problems during sleep,
• Preparation of individual treatment plans for excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia,
• Differential diagnosis of parasomnia and epilepsy,
• Detection of epileptic seizures using a synchronized video-EEG monitoring system,
• Determination of appropriate pressure levels for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome,
• Home sleep studies for specific patient groups,
• Lifestyle changes and behavioral therapies when necessary,
• Medication (sleep-regulating or supportive drugs),
• Psychological support and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Why is Sleep Important?

Sleep plays a vital role in human health and supports many important functions medically. During sleep, the body performs critical processes such as cell repair, strengthening the immune system, and replenishing energy stores. The brain processes and stores information learned during the day, which is important for maintaining cognitive function.
Adequate sleep protects cardiovascular health, helps regulate stress hormones, and balances metabolic processes. Insufficient sleep, on the other hand, can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Therefore, regular and quality sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and quality of life.

Sleep Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment Services

Acıbadem Healthcare Group treats sleep disorders in sleep laboratories, where all conditions that may cause snoring, breathing problems during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and insomnia can be investigated, and a differential diagnosis of parasomnias and epilepsy can be made. and epileptic seizures occurring during sleep can be identified using a synchronized video-EEG monitoring system.

For patients diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome or Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome, treatment is arranged by determining the pressure levels of air compressors called CPAP or BIPAP. For certain patient groups, home sleep studies are preferred.

Sleep Disorder Test

The sleep disorder test consists of various methods used to evaluate a person's sleep pattern and quality. It is used to detect abnormalities that occur during sleep and to make an accurate diagnosis. The most common tests include the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, polysomnography, Multiple Sleep Latency Test, and actigraphy.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale measures daytime sleepiness levels to determine how much it affects a person's daily life. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index is a test that evaluates sleep quality and the effects of disorders. Polysomnography provides a comprehensive analysis by measuring brain waves, breathing, heart rate, and muscle movements during sleep. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test examines the time it takes to fall asleep and is used to diagnose conditions such as narcolepsy. Actigraphy monitors a person's long-term sleep patterns using a special device worn on the wrist.

These tests help diagnose disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Disorders

What Are Sleep Disorders and What Symptoms Can They Cause?

Sleep disorders refer to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and narcolepsy. These disorders can manifest as symptoms such as daytime fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, and general health problems.

What Is Sleep Apnea and How Is It Treated?

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The most common treatment method is the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices. These devices keep the airways open, ensuring regular breathing. In addition, weight loss, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases surgical interventions are also treatment options.

How Are Sleep Disorders Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of sleep disorders is usually made by a sleep specialist. Information is gathered about the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and sleep patterns. When necessary, a polysomnography test is performed in a sleep laboratory. This test monitors brain waves, breathing, heart rate, and other body functions during sleep to provide detailed information.

Which Tests Are Performed in a Sleep Laboratory?

The most common test performed in a sleep laboratory is polysomnography (PSG). This test measures brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, breathing, and oxygen levels during sleep. In addition, with the video-EEG monitoring system, epileptic seizures and types of parasomnias occurring during sleep can also be identified.

Which Treatment Methods Are Used for Sleep Disorders?

Treatment methods vary depending on the type and severity of the sleep disorder. Options include medication, CPAP/BiPAP devices, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions. Sleep hygiene practices and maintaining regular sleep habits also play an important role in treatment.

Which Doctors Should I Consult for Sleep Disorders?

For sleep disorders, you may consult specialists in otolaryngology (ENT), neurology, psychiatry, internal medicine, cardiology, and pulmonology. Acıbadem Healthcare Group provides a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of sleep disorders, ensuring that patients are directed to the appropriate specialists.

What Is a Home Sleep Test and How Is It Performed?

A home sleep test evaluates patients’ sleep patterns in their own home environment. It is performed using portable devices and is commonly used for diagnosing sleep apnea. During the test, parameters such as breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate are measured. The home sleep test allows patients to be evaluated in a comfortable environment.

What Kind of Problems Can Sleep Disorders Cause If They Are Left Untreated?

If left untreated, sleep disorders can lead to serious health problems. These include hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. In addition, daytime fatigue and concentration problems increase the risk of traffic and workplace accidents.

What Can I Do to Prevent Sleep Disorders?

To prevent sleep disorders, it is important to pay attention to sleep hygiene. Following regular sleep schedules, creating a comfortable sleep environment, avoiding heavy meals and caffeine before bedtime, engaging in physical activity, and managing stress can improve sleep quality. In addition, avoiding the use of electronic devices in the bedroom also supports sleep hygiene.