Dyssomnia - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dyssomnias are a broad classification of sleeping disorder that make it difficult to get to sleep, or to stay sleeping. Dyssomnias are primary disorders of initiating or maintaining sleep or of excessive sleepiness and are characterized by a disturbance in the amount, quality, or timing of sleep. Dyssomnia is a disturbance of the body's natural resting and waking patterns. Chronic and persistent difficulty in either; falling asleep, remaining asleep through the night, or waking up too early. All types of insomnia can lead to daytime drowsiness, poor concentration, and the inability to feel refreshed and rested in the morning. Dyssomnias may be extrinsic (having an external cause), or intrinsic (having their cause in the body). A dyssomnia may also be caused by problems with a person's circadian rhythm, or internal clock.Patients may complain of difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, intermittent wakefulness during the night, early morning awakening, or combinations of any of these. Transient episodes are usually of little significance. Stress, caffeine, physical discomfort, daytime napping, and early bedtimes are common factors. Medical disorders, psychiatric disorders, and stress may precipitate or intensify parasomnias.

Dyssomnia NOS (not otherwise specified) refers to any insomnia, hypersomnia, or circadian rhythm disturbance that does not meet the full criteria for a specific dyssomnia. There are over 30 recognized kinds of dyssomnias. Common Causes of Dyssomnia is medications or illicit "street drugs" (for example, excessive thyroid replacement hormone, amphetamines, caffeine-containing beverages, cocaine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, theophylline derivatives). Interference with sleep by various diseases, including an enlarged prostate (men), cystitis (women), COPD, pain of arthritis, heartburn, and heart or lung problems. Alcoholism or abrupt cessation of alcohol after long-term use. Excessive physical or intellectual stimulation at bedtime. Wake-sleep pattern disturbances and anxiety or stress and depression. In general, there are two broad classes of treatment, and the two may be combined: psychological (cognitive-behavioral) and pharmacologic. In situations of acute distress, such as a grief reaction, pharmacologic measures may be most appropriate. Drug treatment should only be resorted to a as a last option. Practice good sleep hygiene: avoid using alcohol in the evening and to avoid caffeine before bedtime.

Causes of Dyssomnia

Common Causes and Risk factors of Dyssomnia

• Wake-sleep pattern disturbances.
• Depression or major depression.
• Anxiety or stress.
• Exhilaration or excitement.
• Bed or bedroom not conducive to sleep.
• Nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, food, or stimulants at bedtime.
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• Stress.

Signs and Symptoms of Dyssomnia

Sign and symptoms of Dyssomnia

• Sleeplessness.
• Wakefulness.

Treatment for Dyssomnia

Common Treatment for Dyssomnia

• Two broad classes of treatment, and the two may be combined: psychological (cognitive-behavioral) and pharmacologic.
• Practice good sleep hygiene.
• Avoid using alcohol in the evening.
• Drug treatment should only be resorted to a as a last option.
• Avoid caffeine before bedtime.
• Relax by reading, taking a bath, or listening to soothing music before getting to bed.
• Antidepressants can often help both the sleeping problem and the depression usually associated with the disorder.