What Your Loved Ones with Sleep Issues Want You to Know

 

Sleep issues are deeply complex, and impact people’s lives much more than simply feeling sleepy during the day. There are dozens of sleep disorders that can cause trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and others that disrupt a healthy sleep pattern as well. While the causes, triggers, and underlying reasons can vary, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study in early 2016 that revealed more than one-third of Americans are not getting enough sleep. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke also estimates that 40 million people suffer from some type of chronic sleep issue, disorder, or disturbance. Another 20 million have occasional troubles sleeping well and getting adequate rest.

With such staggering sleepless statistics in the United States, the chances are good that you have a friend or loved one who is living with a sleep disorder. You may understand that they are struggling to get peaceful rest and are often tired, unfocused, or irritable. However, according to the Huffington Post, here are the things that those who live with sleep disorders really want you to know and understand about their sleep and their life:

 

Time can trigger large amounts of stress in the lives of the sleep deprived.

People who suffer from sleep issues can experience heightened stress as more time goes by that they are unable to fall asleep. For this reason, they may remove clocks from their bedroom or cover them up while they are preparing for sleep.

 

People who suffer from a sleep disorder can often feel resentful toward others who are able to sleep well each night.

Sleep is a necessary component of living a healthy, productive, and happy life. People who suffer from chronic sleep disorders are not getting enough adequate rest to regularly fuel their bodies and minds, so they often harbor resentment for people who are able to get restful sleep without struggles or problems. When you are interacting with a friend or loved one with sleep struggles, be supportive and understanding of their condition, and try not to boast about refreshing sleep the night before.

However well intentioned, helpful fixes or sleep tricks probably won’t help someone who has a serious sleep disorder. They have probably tried a lot of things to help them sleep better, and it can cause irritation to diminish the serious nature of their sleep disorder.

 

Those being treated for a sleep disorder must adhere to a strict bedtime ritual and routine.

One of the treatments for those with sleep disorders is creating relaxing bedtime rituals and sticking to a very strict routine at bedtime. Improving sleep habits can help in training your body and mind to prepare for sleep. It is important that they are consistent in their routine, so try to plan time together with their sleep schedule in mind.

 

Sleep issues might result in spouses having to sleep in separate beds or rooms.

Sometimes, sleep disorders can impact the spouses of those suffering as well. In order for both people to get rested without disrupting one another, they often have to sleep separately. Special sleeping arrangements are necessary at times, and it is important to remember that the couple is working together to support one another and ensure they are both able to get much needed rest.

 

If you or a loved one often have trouble sleeping, for periods of several months or more, than you could be battling a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders can be managed with treatment, therapy, and medication once diagnosed, which is done through a sleep study. Consulting a sleep expert, and understanding the reasons you can’t get enough sleep will help you treat your sleep issues and get the rest you need.