Medical Conditions Linked to Sleeping Disorders

by Jane Thompson

Sleep disorders are usually caused by a medical drug taken to cure another ailment. When related to sleep disorders, it is important to understand what the patient is going through to see why they are unable to sleep. This knowledge will help both the sufferer and the person trying to ease the pain for that person.

Here are eight common diseases and how they can lead to sleep loss.

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

Coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure are the main cardiovascular diseases that are linked to sleeping disorders. These diseases can cause obstructive sleep apnea. Congestive heart failure is caused when the body cannot pump enough blood through the body, resulting in blood accumulating in the veins that lead to the kidneys. Coronary heart disease is caused when fatty deposits in arteries restrict the blood flow to the heart, which can lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis.

2. Endocrine Malfunctions

Endocrine malfunctions can lead to diabetes and thyroid disorder, both of which cause sleeping disorders. Diabetes affects how the body stores carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. If a person does not regulate their intake correctly, it can lead to restless leg syndrome. A person suffering from hyperthyroidism will sweat profusely, hindering their ability to enjoy a good night’s rest.

3. Neurological diseases and Sleeplessness

Several neurological disorders can lead to sleep loss. Parkinson’s disease causes stiffness in muscles, tremors, and difficulties in movement. These symptoms will disrupt REM sleep and create onset insomnia. Alzheimer’s disease can lead to a sleeping disorder called fragmentation while people with epilepsy will have insomnia. Strokes are also connected to obstructive sleep apnea.

4. Respiratory Diseases that Cause Loss of Sleep

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be tied to insomnia and sleep fragmentation. Both diseases restrict the airflow when the person is breathing which can cause them to wake up at irregular intervals. COPD can also cause damage to the lungs, making it even more difficult to breathe at night.

5. Mental Irregularities that Cause Sleeplessness

People who are bipolar or suffer from anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression will be affected by sleep fragmentation and insomnia.

6. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Know more simply as GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease causes fluid in the stomach to enter the esophagus, leading to sleep fragmentation.

7. Kidney Disorders

Kidney disorders are characterized by when the kidney is unable to filter waste from blood. This also causes an improper balance of salt and water. People with kidney disorders suffer from restless leg syndrome as well as insomnia.

8. Arthritis

The intense pain felt with arthritis will wake the person, leading to insomnia.

If a sleep disorder is caused by one of these medical issues, it is important to treat the symptom first. If the cause of the sleep disorder is treated, the patient will also be able to enjoy a fuller, more restful night’s sleep. Be sure to speak with your doctor to learn more on how to treat your specific ailment in order to treat both the disease and sleeplessness.
   
January 2010