CONNECTOR.AE 34 CONNECTOR.AE 35 HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH AND WELLNESS contributing to them, and the range of available solutions, as shared by some of the medical experts in the country. Common Sleep Disorders In The UAE According to Dr. Fahmidha Abdul Rahim, Emergency General Practitioner and clinical tutor at Thumbay Hospital, Ajman, “Sleep problems Understanding Sleep Disorders: Causes, Solutions And When To Seek Help Sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being, but for many people across the UAE, quality sleep remains elusive. With fast-paced lifestyles, high screen exposure, and changing routines, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common among adults and children alike. Of course, the problems associated with sleep can also seep into one’s daily routines, creating or worsening anxiety problems, stress, difficulty concentrating, headaches and other issues. In this feature, we explore the most prevalent sleep issues in the UAE, the underlying factors and children include insomnia, sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias”. Dr. Raiza Hameed, Specialist Pulmonologist at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai, adds, “Sleep disorders are increasingly seen among students, shift workers and heavy screen users, due to delayed sleep phases and irregular schedules. In paediatric cases, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and parasomnias are the most common”. Dr. Amir Firouzjaei, a Chinese Medicine Practitioner at Wellth, says, “In adults, difficulty falling asleep due to stress and overthinking, and waking up multiple times during the night are the most common in the UAE”. It is also noted that for children adapting to a new environment, like many in the UAE, school-related stress, social challenges, and cultural adjustment often disrupt sleep patterns. Major Causes Behind Sleep Disorders Themost significantcausesbehindsleepdisorders are a combination of physical and environmental factors. Dr. Raiza Hameed from Aster Clinic says, “Insomnia is caused by a multitude of factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep can be triggered by various issues like chronic pain, mental health concerns, or even disruptions in your sleeping environment like your partner snoring”. These become disorders when they are prolonged and the underlying medical conditions are left untreated. Insomnia and sleep apnoea top the list of sleeprelated issues affecting people in the UAE, according to some experts. Other conditions like parasomnias and restless leg syndrome are also reported quite often in the country. Insomnia is the condition where one experiences difficulty falling or staying asleep, which often leads to tiredness, irritability, and reduced daytime functioning. Sleep apnoea involves interruptions in breathing during sleep, which often causes loud snoring and is also linked to being overweight or anatomical issues like enlarged tonsils. Parasomnias are unusual behaviours in sleep like sleepwalking or night terrors. Restless leg syndrome manifests as an overwhelming urge to move one’s legs while at rest, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like itching, crawling or throbbing, and this can also interrupt one’s sleep. Dr. SeejoGeorge, Specialist Otolaryngology (ENT) at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, Al Qusais, says, “The most common disorders in both adults “In adults, difficulty falling asleep due to stress and overthinking, and waking up multiple times during the night are the most common in the UAE.” “Sleep problems can be triggered by various issues like chronic pain, mental health concerns, or even disruptions in your sleeping environment like your partner snoring.”
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