Introduction
Being an adult with a hectic schedule often means there are moments when the thought of getting a good night's sleep seems like a luxury. The idea of pulling an "all-nighter" might remind you of college days, but is it a healthy practice, and what's the real cost of depriving yourself of sleep? Through the lens of mental health, there are various issues that can arise when you skimp on sleep. Let's dive into the details:
Insomnia Insomnia is a frequently encountered sleep disorder characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. This condition is closely associated with mental health concerns. In fact, about one-third of adults report grappling with insomnia at some point in their lives. To be diagnosed with insomnia, one typically needs to endure at least three sleepless nights per week. The symptoms can manifest as frequent awakenings during the night, early morning awakenings, difficulty in focusing, a dip in memory function, and an increase in errors and accidents.
Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is another common sleep disorder where individuals intermittently stop and start breathing during sleep. This condition can sometimes be linked to loud snoring and gasping during sleep cycles. Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machines can help monitor these breathing interruptions. Symptoms include difficulties with concentration, impulse control, and memory retention.
Sleep Paralysis Sleep paralysis is a sleep disorder where a person becomes temporarily paralyzed while being fully conscious during sleep. During these episodes, the individual is unable to move as this phenomenon typically occurs during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep, blurring the line between dreamlike and real experiences. Sleep paralysis often accompanies hallucinations, a sensation of suffocation, and distressing emotions like panic. Approximately 20% of people experience sleep paralysis at some point, with most occurrences happening in their mid-20s to 30s.
Narcolepsy Narcolepsy results from a recurring pattern of sleep paralysis throughout an individual's life. It involves an inability to regulate REM sleep due to disruptions in neurotransmitter functioning. People with narcolepsy may suddenly fall asleep during daytime activities, often without any recollection. Additional symptoms can include anxiety, physical discomfort, and an abrupt loss of muscle tone. Researchers are still unraveling the underlying causes of sleep paralysis and narcolepsy.
Key Takeaway It's abundantly clear that sleep plays a crucial role in our daily lives. A lack of sleep can lead to a range of issues, including paralysis, breathing problems, and even sudden sleep disorders. Researchers have also noted that individuals with sleep disorders are nearly 50% more likely to experience other forms of mental health issues. Sleep is as, if not more, important at night as it is during the day for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Prioritizing good sleep is imperative for overall well-being.
Sources Referenced:
3.https://www.sleepfoundation.org/parasomnias/sleep- paralysis#:~:text=Sleep%20paralysis%20is%20a%20temporary,and%20certain%20mental%20health%20conditions.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board