What are the symptoms of sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders may manifest as difficulty falling asleep, trouble maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, reduced sleep quality, and impaired daytime functioning. These symptoms can affect physical recovery and daily well-being, so timely attention is necessary. If symptoms persist for more than one month and interfere with daily life, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

1. Difficulty falling asleep: Lying in bed for over 30 minutes without being able to fall asleep, with the mind remaining alert or filled with racing thoughts. Repeated attempts to fall asleep are ineffective, and prolonged episodes may lead to anxiety.

2. Sleep maintenance disorder: Frequent interruptions during nighttime sleep, waking up more than twice per night and having difficulty returning to sleep quickly, or staying awake for extended periods after nighttime awakenings. This leads to fragmented sleep and prevents restful, continuous rest.

3. Early awakening: Waking up 1–2 hours earlier than usual wake-up time and being unable to fall back asleep, resulting in significantly shortened total sleep duration. This is commonly seen in sleep disturbances related to emotional issues and is often accompanied by feelings of fatigue upon waking.

4. Reduced sleep quality: Despite seemingly sufficient sleep duration, sleep depth is inadequate, with frequent light sleep stages, vivid and disordered dreams. Individuals do not feel refreshed upon waking and continue to experience fatigue and low energy.

5. Impaired daytime functioning: Daytime symptoms caused by poor nighttime sleep include excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, memory decline, mood swings, irritability, and reduced efficiency in work or study.

Maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at consistent times every day. Avoid electronic screens and vigorous exercise before bedtime; instead, relax with warm foot baths or soothing music. Keep the bedroom quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature to minimize external disturbances.