Disturbance of the night's rest

Why can’t I sleep?

Sleep disorders can have a massive impact on quality of life.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

Daytime tiredness, reduced ability to concentrate, irritability, depression, but also increased sweating and digestive disorders can be symptoms of a sleep disorder. What's behind it when you can't find your way to the land of dreams. 

Around 10 percent of the population in Germany suffer from chronic insomnia (when you cannot fall asleep or sleep through the night at least three times a week for a month), 5 to 10 percent from sleep apnoea (nocturnal breathing interruptions) and around 5 percent from restless legs syndrome.

Get help!
"Only one in two people with pathological sleep problems seek professional help, which indicates an urgent need for better screening and education among the population," emphasizes Dr. Stefan Seidel, Head of the Outpatient Clinic for Sleep Disorders, Department of Neurology, Vienna General Hospital.

Chronic sleep disorders should primarily be treated with behavioral therapy. Whether medication should also be used must be clarified with the doctor.

Dr. Stefan Seidel

Bild: feel image - FotografieFotos: Felicitas Matern

Interrupted breathing with snoring
"Breathing disorders that occur exclusively or primarily during sleep have a huge impact on sleep and recovery. In the case of snoring without other symptoms, surgical treatment is usually not necessary from a medical point of view," explains OA Dr. Maximilian Hartl, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ordensklinikum Linz.

A breathing mask is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnoea (nocturnal breathing stops). If this is not tolerated, a tongue pacemaker can help under certain conditions.

OA Dr. Maximilian Hartl

Bild: Ordensklinikum Linz/Werner Harrer

When the legs often fidget
Restless legs syndrome is characterized by an urge to move, especially in the lower extremities (paired with discomfort) in the second half of the day, which intensifies at rest. Typically, getting up and walking brings about a temporary improvement. Periodic leg movements often occur during sleep, which may go unnoticed by the affected person, but can disturb or even injure their bed partner.

Lack of iron and B12 exacerbates symptoms
If you suffer from restless legs syndrome, the first thing you should do is find out whether you have an iron deficiency. It is also recommended to determine creatinine, thyroid levels, vitamin B12 and folic acid, as kidney weakness, hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiencies can exacerbate RLS symptoms. Treatment is primarily carried out with medication.