Good quality sleep is as much a part of a healthy life as diet and exercise. While most people recognize this fact, many do not realize that long-term sleep issues can lead to a wide range of mental and physical health problems.
The sleep problem people most often talk to their doctor about is insomnia. Other common sleep issues include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome (RLS). All of these sleep disorders are tied to lower quality of life and general feelings of poor health.1-6
Mental health issues tied to sleep disorders
Regular trouble sleeping is closely linked to behavior issues and mental health issues. For instance, people with insomnia, sleep apnea, and RLS may feel irritable, impulsive, or aggressive. Trouble concentrating or recalling information, and forgetfulness are also common.
Many studies have tied insomnia, RLS, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy to high rates of psychiatric illness, such as major depression and anxiety disorder. Substance abuse is common in people with sleep disorders. People with insomnia and RLS show increased rates of suicide.2,5-8
There is also a chicken and egg effect to sleep disorders. Once, doctors believed that insomnia caused mental illnesses such as major depression. Now, studies suggest that insomnia often precedes mood disorders. This may mean that insomnia acts as an early warning sign of major depression or anxiety. Studies also show that when a person begins to sleep better, they also respond better to antidepressants.2,6,7
Other examples of the ties between sleep disorders and mental health issues include:2,6
- Most people with post-traumatic stress disorder also have insomnia.
- Insomnia often pre-dates problem drinking, and people who have quit drinking are more likely to relapse due to insomnia.
Physical health issues tied to sleep disorders
People naturally associate sleepless nights with grumpiness and feeling tired or sleepy during the day. But, many do not realize that untreated sleep disorders can cause serious health problems.
Studies have tied sleep disorders to heart disease in particular, including obesity, high blood pressure, heart attacks, arrhythmias, diabetes, and heart failure. Other health issues common in people with sleep disorders include stroke, gout, lung disease, and liver disease.1-6
Doctors do not fully understand exactly how poor sleep contributes to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It may be that lack of quality sleep causes inflammation, which is closely tied to heart disease. It may be that poor sleep influences diet and exercise, which contribute to heart health.2-8
The more severe the sleep disorder, the worse the complications tend to be. To make matters worse, it is not uncommon for someone to have more than one sleep disorder.2-6
More accidents, more problems at work and school
Work and school can suffer greatly if someone cannot sleep well. Tiredness, low energy, and the need to nap generally make people less productive. People with sleep disorders miss more work, have more problems completing tasks, and lower concentration levels. Children with RLS are twice as likely to have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.2-8
Accidents while driving happen more often to people with insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. This can be caused by slower reaction times or by falling asleep while driving.2-6
Household issues tied to sleep disorders
Sleep disorders can cause problems for other members of the household. The kicking of RLS and the snoring of sleep apnea may make quality sleep hard for bed partners. Parasomnias, such as sleepwalking and sleep terrors, can interrupt sleep for anyone nearby. People caring for people with the sleep disorders common to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease often find it hard to get enough rest. Some studies point to higher rates of marriage and money problems in people with certain sleep disorders.8
