Sleep Disorders and Sleeping Problems

Most of us have experienced trouble sleeping at one time or another. This is normal and usually
temporary, due to stress or other outside factors. But if sleep problems are a regular occurrence and
interfere with your daily life, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders cause more
than just sleepiness. The lack of quality sleep can have a negative impact on your energy, emotional
balance, and health. If youre experiencing sleeping problems, learn about the symptoms of common
sleep disorders, what you can do to help yourself, and when to see a doctor.
1. Understanding sleep disorders and sleeping problems
Sleep can often be a barometer of your overall health. In many cases, people in good health tend to
sleep well, whereas those suffering from repeated sleeping problems might have an underlying
medical or mental health problem, be it minor or serious. Sleeping well is essential to your physical
health and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, even minimal sleep loss can take a toll on your mood,
energy, efficiency, and ability to handle stress. Ignoring sleep problems and disorders can lead to poor
health, accidents, impaired job performance, and relationship stress. If you want to feel your best, stay
healthy, and perform up to your potential, sleep is a necessity, not a luxury.
Its not normal to feel sleepy during the day, to have problems getting to sleep at night, or to wake
up feeling exhausted. But even if youve struggled with sleep problems for so long that it seems
normal, you can still learn to sleep better. You can start by tracking your symptoms and sleep patterns,
and then making healthy changes to your daytime habits and bedtime routine. If self-help doesnt do
the trick, you can turn to sleep specialists who are trained in sleep medicine. Together, you can
identify the underlying causes of your sleeping problem and find ways to improve your sleep and
quality of life.
2. Signs and symptoms of sleep disorders and sleeping problems
Everyone experiences occasional sleeping problems, but how can you tell whether your sleeping
problem is just a minor, passing annoyance or a sign of a more serious sleep disorder or underlying
medical condition? Start by scrutinizing your symptoms, looking especially for the telltale daytime
signs of sleep deprivation. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms on a regular basis,
you may be dealing with a sleep disorder.
1

Do you. . .
-feel irritable or sleepy during the day?
- have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading?
- fall asleep or feel very tired while driving?
- have difficulty concentrating?
-often get told by others that you look tired?
- react slowly?
- have trouble controlling your emotions?
- feel like you have to take a nap almost every day?
- require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going?
If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, you may have a sleep disorder.
3. The most common type of sleep disorder
- Insomnia- the inability to get the amount of sleep you need to wake up feeling rested and
refreshed;
- Sleep apnea- a common sleep disorder in which your breathing temporarily stops during sleep due
to the blockage of the upper airways;
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)- disorder that causes an almost irresistible urge to move your
legs(or arms);
- Narcolepsy - involves excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness;
4. Do sleeping pills help sleep disorders and sleeping problems?
When taken for a brief period of time and under the supervision of your doctor, sleeping pills
may help your sleeping problems. However, they are just a temporary solution. Insomnia cant be
cured with sleeping pills. In fact, sleeping pills can often make insomnia worse in the long run.
In general, sleeping pills and sleep medications are most effective when used sparingly for shortterm situations, such as travelling across many time zones or recovering from a medical procedure. If
medications are used over the long term, they are best used as needed instead of on a daily basis to
avoid dependence and tolerance.

Glosary:
Disorder -tulburare
Nap- pui de somn
Teltalle- indicator
Apnea- apnee
RLS- sindromul picioarelor nelinitite
2

Narcolepsy- narcolpsie
Sparingly-cumptat
1. Translate the second paragraph (2.)
2. Complete the following sentences with the right words:
a) If you wake up tired and faint then you probably have........ .
b) If people complain of you by night you probably have........ .
c) If they are not used correctly, sleeping pills may..... .
3. Have you taken drugs for sleep? Did they work?

4. Do you consider yourself a balanced sleeper? Argue why.