The Hidden Impacts of Sleep Disorders: Myth vs. Reality

If you’ve ever struggled with sleep or a sleep disorder, you may have been told to just “get some extra sleep” or to “push past your fatigue and just do it”. These myths can make you feel guilty and dismissed, so I’m here to set the record straight on the truth about sleep disorders.

Myth #1: Poor sleep only makes you tired

Reality: When we sleep, so many things are happening in our brain and body that allow us to function properly the next day. Sleep disorders interrupt this process, and this not only results in excessive daytime sleepiness, but it can increase our risk for anxiety and depression, hinder our cognitive performance, and decrease our capacity to regulate our emotions. Chronic sleep deprivation can also impact our physical health too. Without proper sleep, we’re at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart problems, as well as issues with our metabolism and immune system.

Myth #2: People with sleep disorders just need to sleep more

Reality: Wouldn’t it be fantastic if life worked that way? Unfortunately, sleep disorders often have insomnia as a symptom. In addition to insomnia, sleep disorders impact the quality of our sleep. This means that even if we’re sleeping, our sleepwalking, narcolepsy, or sleep apnea aren’t allowing us to get restorative sleep. It’s not as simple as just getting more sleep because our brain and/or body isn’t doing what it needs.

Myth #3: Sleep problems are a personal issue that don’t affect others

Reality: Exhaustion can affect relationships, work, and intimacy. When you don’t feel like you can function properly throughout the day because you’re so tired or have difficulty with cognitive performance, everything in your life ends up being affected. You might have trouble showing up for commitments, or even if you do show up, you might have difficulty remaining alert and present. This can take a toll on your career, daily responsibilities, and time spent with friends or family.

It can also affect the lives of that person’s loved ones. Friends and family members may have trouble understanding why someone has to cancel plans or why they’re unable to be emotionally present for them sometimes. Another example is if your partner has a sleep disorder, your own sleep may be impacted due to them tossing and turning or snoring throughout the night.

Myth #4: You have to have a mental health disorder in order to have insomnia

Reality: There is a high correlation rate between mental health disorders and insomnia, but you can have insomnia without being diagnosed with something like anxiety or depression. Insomnia and mental health greatly influence each other, but there is no definitive proof that says one directly causes the other. Additional causes of insomnia are things like certain medications, hormones, or stress.

Myth #5: You can never be free from your sleep disorder symptoms

Reality: It’s possible! There are plenty of medication and treatment options out there to address the symptoms of sleep disorders. Even if they don’t eliminate all of your symptoms, these treatment options can be paired with mental health therapy to take your progress even further. There is hope for those living with sleep disorders, it’s just about finding the right treatment for you.

If you’ve ever been subject to these myths, you’re not alone! Many people struggle quietly with sleep disorders or live a good portion of their lives undiagnosed. Sleep disorders are often misunderstood or dismissed, but they’re real and prevalent. There is support available. As a mental health therapist specializing in sleep, I help clients find healthier rest and balance in their lives. If you’re ready to start your journey to better sleep and overall better health, I’d love to connect.