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What is Dyssomnia? Causes, Types, and Symptoms

What is Dyssomnia? Causes, Types, and Symptoms

Dyssomnia is a common sleep disorder that can affect anyone regardless of gender or age. According to mental health experts, this disorder could be treated in a variety of ways but the best approach from a professional mental health expert is essential. Leaving this mental health disorder untreated could lead to some major issues and you will not be able to continue your professional or schooling life.

Hold On!  If you are someone facing this “Dyssomnia” Sleep disorder and don’t know how to deal with it then this blog is for you.

In this blog, we are going to explore what Dyssomnia is. What are the causes, types, and symptoms of this sleep disorder?

Understanding Dyssomnia

Dyssomnia is a common sleep disorder that is used to describe the category of sleep problems. Which refers to a group of conditions indicating a disturbance in a person’s ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle. Dyssomnia may lead to fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and reduced functioning. 

Dyssomnia is characterized by either hypersomnia or insomnia (both sleep disorders, but they represent opposite ends of the sleep duration spectrum, involving either excessive sleepiness or difficulty falling asleep)

Types of Dyssomnia

Insomnia:

Having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting enough sleep. Throughout the day, I felt tired, annoyed, and unfocused. It’s a common sleep disorder that affects the natural cycle of rest. People with insomnia get stuck in a painful cycle of difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep, even when the opportunity for a good night’s sleep is present. The effects go throughout the night, and into daily life with fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Hypersomnia:

It is a secondary sleep disorder where a person experiences excessive daytime sleepiness, even after getting a full night’s sleep. Unlike feeling a bit tired during the day, hypersomnia goes beyond normal sleepiness. People with hypersomnia often struggle to stay awake and alert, finding themselves wanting to take frequent and long naps.

Narcolepsy :

is a neurological disorder in which the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles is impaired. People with narcolepsy have excessive daytime sleepiness and a tendency to fall asleep unexpectedly during the day, a condition known as “sleep attacks.” These episodes can occur at any time and under any circumstances, and they can be quite sudden and uncontrollable.

Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders:

Conditions characterized by abnormalities in breathing while sleeping, such as sleep apnea.People who have obstructive sleep apnea stop and start breathing repeatedly while sleeping.

Causes of Dyssomnia

Stress and Anxiety Persistent stress or anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.

DepressionDepression is often associated with changes in sleep, including insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (excessive sleep).

Irregular Sleep ScheduleThe cause of dyssomnia can be attributed to irregular sleep patterns, such as regularly changing wake or bedtimes.

Poor Sleep Hygiene:

An uncomfortable sleeping environment, using electronics right before bed, or consuming medications right before bed are examples of unhealthy sleep habits that may contribute to sleep issues.

Genetics:

Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to certain sleep disorders or difficulties.

Medications: Some medications, including certain antidepressants, antihypertensives, or stimulants, may interfere with normal sleep.

Substance Use: The use of substances like caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol, especially close to bedtime, can disrupt sleep.

Symptoms:

  • Falling asleep at night takes you more than thirty minutes.
  • You wake up a lot during the night and find it difficult to fall asleep.
  • You are unable to go back to sleep after waking up too early.
  • During the day, you feel excessively exhausted.
  • Difficulty concentrating or impaired cognitive function.
  • Impaired performance at work or in daily activities due to sleepiness.

What are intrinsic sleep disorders?

The term “intrinsic sleep disorders” typically applies to sleep disorders that are caused by internal body factors, such as genetics, abnormalities in the sleep-wake regulatory systems, or other biological processes.

which, because of elements arising in different body systems, cause sleep disturbance or excessive daytime sleepiness.

How intrinsic sleep disorders relate to dyssomnia?

The relationship between “intrinsic sleep disorders and dyssomnia” lies in the fact that intrinsic factors, like genetic predispositions or abnormalities in biological processes, can lead to disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle. These disruptions, in turn, manifest as symptoms associated with dyssomnia, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

Types of intrinsic sleep disorders

Restless legs syndrome” (RLS) refers to uncomfortable leg sensations that are frequently accompanied by a constant need to move the legs, especially while sitting still.

Origins: Abnormal dopamine levels may be linked to this condition, which is frequently thought to have a genetic component.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD): An involuntary disturbance of the sleep cycle caused by movements of the legs while you’re asleep.

Origins: Usually idiopathic (caused by unknown), but it can also be linked to other disorders like RLS.

Extrinsic Sleep Disorders

When external factors lead to excessive daytime sleepiness or disrupt sleep, the condition is referred to as a sleep disorder. 

Extrinsic sleep disorders refer to conditions where external factors, rather than internal biological or neurological factors, significantly disrupt the sleep-wake cycle or overall sleep quality. These secondary sleep disorders are often related to environmental influences or behaviors.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

The circadian rhythm Sleep disorders are secondary sleep disorders of the sleep-wake cycle that are frequently caused by an individual’s internal body clock and the outside environment not meeting up correctly.

Factors include shift work, travel, irregular sleep patterns, and other circadian rhythm abnormalities.

Parasomnia vs Dyssomnia

Parasomnia:

A class of sleep disorders known as insomnias is defined by irregular actions or physiological incidences that take place while a person is asleep. These can include odd behaviors that occur while you sleep, such as sleepwalking or night terrors.

nature: Unusual and frequently disruptive sleep-related behaviors, like movements, vocalizations, or emotional expressions, are the main focus of parasomnias.

Dyssomnia:

A failure to get enough, quality, or appropriate sleep at the right time is referred to as a dyssomnia. This group of conditions includes sleep disorders related to circadian rhythm, hypersomnia, and insomnia.

nature: Initiating, maintaining, or regulating sleep patterns are challenging for people with dyssomnias, which impacts both the amount and quality of sleep.

Treatment for Dyssomnia

 Dyssomnia’s cause will determine how to treat your sleep disorder.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): This structured therapy helps individuals address thoughts and behaviors that contribute to sleep difficulties. It includes techniques to improve sleep hygiene, modify sleep-related thoughts, and establish a consistent sleep schedule.

Hypnotic Medications: Short-term use of prescription medications, such as benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, may be considered when other treatments are not effective

Medications:Hypnotic Medications: Prescription medications may be used to help induce or maintain sleep in cases of insomnia. These are generally used on a short-term basis.

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms, such as clonazepam for REM sleep behavior disorders

Treatment for Underlying Medical Conditions:Addressing and managing any underlying medical conditions contributing to sleep disturbances.

Sleep Education:Providing information and education about healthy sleep habits and the importance of good sleep hygiene.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing dyssomnia is crucial for maintaining overall well-being, as this common sleep disorder can significantly impact one’s daily life. The causes of dyssomnia are diverse, ranging from stress and irregular sleep schedules to genetic predispositions and substance use. Recognizing the symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, and excessive daytime exhaustion, is essential for early intervention.

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For those seeking professional guidance and comprehensive care, explore our Comprehensive Mental Health Services. Our team at Rapid Healing Medical Services is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans and support for a wide range of mental health conditions, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs are met.

 

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