Struggling with Sleep? Here’s What Might Be Going On

We all know that sleep is important—but for many people, getting consistent, restful sleep is harder than it sounds. If you’ve ever spent a night staring at the ceiling or dragging yourself through the day in a fog, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience sleep-related difficulties. In fact, certain sleep disorders may be standing in the way of your best health—and your best self.

Let’s take a look at four of the most common sleep disorders, how they affect you, and what can be done about them.

1. Insomnia: When Sleep Just Won’t Come

If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or wake up too early and can’t drift back, you might be dealing with insomnia. It can also show up as extreme daytime sleepiness, leaving you groggy, irritable, or unfocused.

Chronic insomnia can sometimes develop as a learned response—like when stress and anxiety about sleep turn bedtime into a battleground. If this sounds familiar, it’s worth talking to a healthcare provider. Treatment might include medication, but often focuses on building healthy sleep habits and routines that help retrain your brain for rest.

🛏️ Pro tip: People with insomnia often sleep better away from their usual environment—another sign it’s more than just a busy mind.

2. Narcolepsy: When Sleep Takes Over

Narcolepsy is more than just being tired. It involves sudden "sleep attacks" where someone might fall asleep without warning—even while walking or talking. It can also cause cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions like laughter or surprise.

If you or someone you love has experienced this, know that there are treatments. Doctors often use medications along with lifestyle strategies, like scheduled naps, to help manage the condition and improve daily life.

🧠 Did you know? Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder. It’s not about laziness—it’s about biology.

3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): When Your Legs Won’t Let You Sleep

Imagine trying to fall asleep while your legs feel like they’re crawling, tingling, or aching. That’s what people with RLS go through. The discomfort usually eases when the legs are moved, which can make bedtime a restless experience.

RLS is thought to be linked to dopamine imbalances in the brain. That’s why treatment often includes medications that help regulate dopamine and promote better sleep.

🚶‍♀️ Movement helps in the moment—but long-term relief may require medical support.

4. Sleep Apnea: The Nighttime Disturber

Sleep apnea causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep—often noticed as loud snoring, choking, or gasping. These micro-awakenings prevent deep, restorative rest, leaving people tired and foggy even after a full night in bed.

Sleep apnea is more than an annoyance—it can increase your risk of serious health problems like heart disease and stroke. Luckily, it’s treatable, often with a CPAP machine that keeps airways open during sleep.

😴 If you’ve been told you snore heavily or stop breathing while sleeping, don’t wait—talk to your doctor.

Sleep and Chronic Disease: The Hidden Connection

Sleep disorders don’t just mess with your mornings—they can also contribute to long-term health issues. Here’s how:

• 🩸 Type 2 Diabetes: Poor sleep affects how your body regulates blood sugar. In fact, sleep duration and quality can predict key markers like Hemoglobin A1c.

• ❤️ Cardiovascular Disease: People with disrupted sleep, especially those with sleep apnea, are at higher risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke.

• ⚖️ Obesity: Short sleep messes with hormones that regulate appetite. The result? You may feel hungrier and burn fewer calories. Kids and teens are especially vulnerable.

• 😔 Depression: The relationship between sleep and mood is a two-way street. Not sleeping well can worsen depression, and depression can interfere with sleep. Addressing one can often help with the other.

So… What Can You Do?

As your coach, I’m not here to diagnose sleep disorders—but I can help you build habits that support better sleep and overall wellness.

Here’s how we might start:

• Establishing a consistent sleep-wake schedule

• Creating a calming bedtime routine

• Making your sleep environment cool, quiet, and tech-free

• Encouraging gentle movement during the day

• Identifying when it’s time to speak with a medical provider

If any of the sleep disorders above sound familiar, it’s a great time to start a conversation—with me and your healthcare team. Your body and mind do their best healing while you sleep. Let’s make sure you’re getting the rest you need to thrive.

Ready to build better sleep habits together? Let’s talk.