An Overview of Sleep Disorders and Management Strategies
- Sara Becker, PT, DPT
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
We all know how it feels to wake up groggy, sluggish, or just plain off after a rough night’s sleep. But when sleep issues persist, they could be signs of something deeper—sleep disorders. Understanding what’s happening behind the scenes can be life-changing, especially for adults juggling busy lives, work demands, and long to-do lists.
Let’s take a closer look at sleep disorders, their symptoms, and management strategies—plus how Releaseology can help you finally get the rest your body has been craving.
Disclaimer: The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
Sleep Disorders Explained: What Are They, Really?
Sleep disorders are conditions that disturb your normal sleep patterns. They can affect the quality, timing, and amount of sleep you get, ultimately disrupting how you feel and function during the day. The meaning of sleep disorders goes beyond just being tired—it can have a major impact on your mood, immune system, weight, memory, and even chronic pain.
When it comes to sleep disorders in adults, many go undiagnosed because people either normalize their symptoms or assume it's just "stress." But the truth? Sleep issues deserve proper attention—and effective solutions.
Sleep Disorders Examples: Common Types and Symptoms
Let’s break down some of the most common types of sleep disorders:
1. Insomnia
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Waking up too early
Fatigue, irritability, or brain fog during the day
2. Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring or gasping for air during sleep
Pauses in breathing
Morning headaches or dry mouth
3. Narcolepsy
Sudden sleep attacks during the day
Muscle weakness triggered by emotion
Hallucinations or sleep paralysis
(Yes, sleep disorders like narcolepsy are real and very disruptive—often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.) 4. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Uncomfortable leg sensations
Urge to move, especially at night
Difficulty falling asleep
5. Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Misaligned internal clock
Trouble sleeping at “normal” times
Jet lag or shift work sleep disorder
6. Hypersomnia
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Sleeping for long hours and still feeling tired
Sleep disorders that make it hard to wake up fall under this category
When to Visit a Sleep Disorders Center or Specialist
If you’ve tried all the basics—cutting caffeine, limiting screen time, sticking to a routine—but you're still waking up feeling like a zombie, it’s time to seek expert help.
A sleep disorders specialist or a visit to a sleep disorders center can provide a formal diagnosis using sleep studies, EEGs, or wearable trackers. Don’t ignore symptoms like gasping, frequent waking, memory issues, or even depression—they could all be linked to your sleep health.
Management Strategies for Sleep Disorders
The good news? Many sleep disorders in adults can be managed with the right tools and support. Here are some foundational strategies:
Sleep hygiene:
Regular schedule
Dark/Cool room
No electronics before bed
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A gold standard for chronic insomnia
Mind-body techniques:
Breathwork
Meditation
Supplements:
*items can be purchased at 20% off at my Fullscript store You need to sign up for an account, but can continue to use this for 20% off any supplements they have.
Please Note: Some links on my site are affiliate links, which means that I collect a small portion of your sale, at no extra cost to you. This helps with the cost of running a website, providing services, etc.
Physical therapy & bodywork: Addressing nervous system regulation, muscular tension, and lymphatic flow. All techniques that Releaseology combines in one session
Stress Relief Exercises: Physical activity is a proven way to lower stress. Simple options like yoga, stretching, or even a brisk walk can reduce stress hormone levels and improve your mood.
Why Choose Releaseology to Help with Sleep
At Releaseology, I go beyond the basics. My approach blends holistic physical therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, manual bodywork, and nervous system regulation techniques to help you reset—mentally and physically.
Because sleep issues are so multifactorial and your nervous system is FRONT and center of many of these factors, working on your nervous system will give you so much relief. If you're tired of being tired—and ready for a hands-on, root-cause approach—book a session with me today. Let’s find out what’s keeping you up at night, and more importantly, help you reclaim the restful sleep your body deserves.
Book any of the services below to address your sleep. If you don't live locally, I also offer vagus nerve services virtually.
Medical Disclaimer
The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
More from Releaseology
Don't forget to check out other resources on my site! You can book a session with me here, find a list of conditions I treat here, find more about me here, learn how to regulate your own vagus nerve and nervous system here and read more on my blog here. Lastly, follow me on my social channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
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