Sleep disorders encompass a variety of conditions that affect the quality, duration, and timing of sleep, leading to health issues such as fatigue, poor concentration, and impaired daily functioning. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep; sleep apnea, marked by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep; and restless leg syndrome (RLS), a condition causing uncomfortable sensations in the legs, particularly at night. Other disorders include circadian rhythm disorders, which disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, and parasomnias like sleepwalking, night terrors, and REM sleep behavior disorder, where individuals act out their dreams.
Diagnosis of sleep disorders often involves comprehensive evaluations, including clinical interviews, sleep diaries, and overnight sleep studies (polysomnography) to monitor brain activity, breathing, and other physiological parameters. Treatment varies depending on the specific disorder but may include behavioral therapies, medications, lifestyle modifications, or the use of medical devices such as CPAP machines for sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment are essential to managing sleep disorders effectively, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall health and well-being.
Dr. Parisa Fazli Panah is an anesthesiologist and a specialist in sleep disorders based in Tehran. She completed her superspecialized fellowship in sleep […]
