Get Laid Beds has collaborated with sleep expert, Dr Daisy Mae, to help Brits treat their most common sleep disorders.
Using Google search data to highlight the most searched for sleep conditions in the UK, Dr Daisy explains each condition and how each condition can be treated.
Sleep expert, Dr Daisy says;
“We all know how big a role sleep plays in our health and productivity, and with so many of us suffering from a lack of sleep due to specific disorders, it’s important those of us suffering know how best to navigate these disorders to maximise our sleep quality.”
Sleep Apnoea – 110,000 monthly searches
“Sleep Apnoea is a common condition affecting 1 in 8 UK adults, most of whom are unaware they have it. It occurs due to loss of muscle tone in the back of the throat and upper airways. The act of breathing actually stops for up to 30 seconds, before the person startles with a snort, and starts breathing again.
Sleep apnoea can be successfully treated. Simple measures such as stopping smoking, losing weight and treating acid reflux can help. See your GP for an accurate diagnosis. The most effective treatments is the use of a mandibular device – a specialised mouthpiece which pulls the jaw forward holding the airway open at night, or the use of continuous positive airways pressure”
Insomnia – 74,000 monthly searches
“The reasons for insomnia are complex. Stress, anxiety and depression, which can be triggered by life events such as work issues, relationship difficulties or bereavement – means the mind remains active as thought processes are disturbed and sleep does not set in.
Much can be done to help insomnia. Ensure you are sleeping in a cool, dark bedroom, in a comfortable bed. Adopt a regular sleep routine, going to bed at the same time every night and waking at the same time every morning. When you wake up, open the curtains and flood the room with natural light. Wind down for sleep, with soft music and gentle pastimes such as reading or yoga.
If things don’t improve, see your GP. You may need counselling or treatment for stress, anxiety or depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be very helpful. Note that sleeping tablets are not usually the answer.”
Restless Leg Syndrome – 49,500 monthly searches
“Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a strange condition in which sufferers have an irresistible urge to move their legs at night. They often complain of sensations in their legs such as pricking or crawling. The condition affects 5-10% of adults but can occur in children. It can also develop during pregnancy. The cause is not known.
“Treating RLS is difficult. It’s important to avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking as these are known to worsen symptoms. Participating in regular physical exercise is important. In one study, those who followed a regular fitness regime for six weeks reported a 39% improvement in their RLS symptoms, as compared to an 8% improvement in the group who took no exercise. Compressing the legs with compression socks has been found to give relief.”
Narcolepsy – 33,000 monthly searches
“The cause is not well understood but the brains of those with narcolepsy contain lower levels of a chemical called hypocretin which is involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. There are five classic signs of narcolepsy – excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (a sudden weakness that can cause collapse), sleep paralysis (being unable to move when falling asleep or waking up), hypnagogic hallucinations (frightening, vivid dreams) and insomnia.
Treating narcolepsy involves the same attention to sleep hygiene, and reducing triggers such as alcohol, caffeine and smoking. Take regular exercise and avoid taking any sedatives. Medications may be given such as dexamphetamine, methylphenidate or antidepressants. Narcolepsy needs to be diagnosed and managed by a sleep physician.”
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome – 1,900 monthly searches
“In this condition, sleep is delayed for around 2 hours after going to bed. For example, those who go to bed at 10 pm do not fall asleep until midnight. It is thought to be a Circadian rhythm disorder. Note that this is different from being a night owl, as night owls are choosing to stay awake and go to bed at a later time.
Because they fall asleep so late, DSPS sufferers have trouble waking up on time for work or school and experience excessive daytime sleepiness. Those with DSPS are advised to go to bed 2 hours later than their usual bedtime every 5 or 6 days. They should also use a light box as soon as they wake up for 30 minutes a day as this switches off melatonin production and helps reset the Circadian body clock.”
Shift Work Sleep Disorder – 390 monthly searches
“SWSD is a common condition affecting those who do shift work. They often come home after a night shift and try to sleep during the day. However, the sleep cues are all wrong. Daylight switches off melatonin production. The body’s natural Circadian rhythms program the body to sleep at night, not during the day. As a result, the person cannot sleep when they need to sleep and suffers from insomnia, daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
This condition is hard to treat. For best results, try not to do more than 5 night shifts in a row. Take at least 48 hours off after this before starting again. Avoid sunlight on the way home – wear sunglasses on the journey. Have a nap before a night shift. Avoid caffeine on the night shift within 6 hours of needing to go home and get into bed.”
REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder – 210 monthly searches
“REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder occurs when a person is having REM sleep, but instead of their muscles being paralysed as usually happens, their muscles remain active, and they act out their dreams. The exact cause of this condition is not known. It often occurs in those who are later diagnosed with a major neurological condition such as Parkinson’s Disease or Lewy Body dementia.
The treatment of choice is melatonin, but this needs to be prescribed by a sleep physician to get the correct dose. Alternatively, an effective option is clonazepam, but this is more likely to cause side effects such as daytime somnolence and can increase the risk of falls. The bedroom needs to be modified to ensure there is no clutter, sharp objects, wires or anything that could cause a night-time injury.”
