(AscendHealthy)- Sleep — it’s a basic, primal need and, on the surface, seems simple. But it’s not. According to Consumer Reports, about 27% of people have trouble sleeping most of the time, and 68% say they experience issues at least once per week. The consequences of restless nights are far-reaching and go beyond daytime sleepiness and brain fog. Sleep issues could actually point to an underlying health condition.
Concerning Sleep Problems that May Be Serious
Sleep problems can be indicative of an underlying health condition, some of which can be quite serious. The following symptoms may each be related to different disorders:
- Snoring – Loud snoring, gasping and daytime sleepiness can all be signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted.
- Sweating – Sleep disturbances and night sweats can be attributed to hormonal imbalances and thyroid disease.
- Teeth Grinding – Insomnia, teeth grinding, trembling and sweating are often associated with anxiety and stress disorders.
- Muscle Cramps – Muscle cramps may be symptomatic of vitamin and electrolyte deficiencies.
- Headaches – Frequent headaches upon waking are called hypnic headaches, which are a type of migraine.
Optimal health cannot exist without frequent, restful sleep, as your body heals and rejuvenates itself during those hours. Sleep is vital, which is why you should always take persistent sleep issues seriously.
Long-Term Health Consequences of Ignoring Sleep Problems
Sleep difficulties are often symptoms of other diseases and disorders, and they shouldn’t be ignored. If they are, the underlying condition may continue to worsen, resulting in long-term health consequences. Sleep apnea, for example, can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, if left untreated. Similarly, thyroid disease can have devastating health consequences, including heart disease and death, if ignored.
How to Get Help for Sleep Issues and Underlying Health Problems
Sometimes, changing daytime habits and sleep routines can help you get a better night’s sleep. However, it doesn’t help everyone. HelpGuide.org recommends keeping a sleep diary and seeking medical help if self-care strategies, such as avoiding caffeine and going to bed, and waking up at the same time every day, aren’t helping. Contact your primary physician immediately if you believe you may have sleep apnea or if you fall asleep at inappropriate times.
Poor sleep is not a fact of life, and it could be trying to tell you something. Several health conditions can affect sleep quantity and quality. For this reason, you should speak to your doctor without delay about the issues that are making it hard for you to get a good night’s sleep.
~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension!
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