What are the most common sleep disorders?

Sleep is a fundamental pillar of our health. Yet many people struggle to sleep well because of sleep disorders — medical conditions that affect the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep or enjoy restorative rest. These disorders don’t just affect the quality of your rest; they also have a direct impact on physical, emotional and cognitive health.

At FisioSentis we explain the most common sleep disorders, their causes, how to recognise them and the treatment options available. We’ll show you how a comprehensive approach can be an ally in recovering the rest you deserve.

The importance of sleep for overall wellbeing

Sleeping isn’t simply “switching off”. During sleep, our body and mind carry out critical processes that are essential for our survival. From memory consolidation to tissue repair and strengthening the immune system, sleep affects every area of our lives.

What are the key benefits of restorative sleep?

• Physical recovery: While we sleep, our body regenerates tissue, strengthens muscles and eliminates toxins.
• Mental health: Sleep helps manage stress, regulate emotions and maintain mental clarity.
• Cognitive performance: Getting enough sleep improves memory, concentration and problem-solving ability.
• Metabolic health: Adequate rest regulates hormones such as insulin and cortisol, which helps prevent conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

When we don’t sleep well, the impact can be devastating. Fatigue, irritability, concentration problems and even the risk of serious illnesses such as high blood pressure or depression increase significantly.

The most common sleep disorders

There are many sleep disorders, each with its own characteristics and challenges.

Insomnia

Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep or achieve quality rest, despite having the opportunity to sleep. This disorder affects both adults and children and can be a significant source of frustration and exhaustion.
Insomnia isn’t only about “not being able to sleep”. For those who suffer from it, every night can become a constant struggle with the clock, feeling the hours pass while the mind stays active and the body is exhausted.

There are several types of insomnia:

• Transient insomnia: It can last days or weeks and is usually related to stressful events, changes in routine or jet lag.
• Chronic insomnia: It persists for months or even years and, in many cases, is linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression or poor sleep habits.

What can cause insomnia?

Among the factors that trigger insomnia are:
• Stress and anxiety: Work, personal or emotional problems can keep the mind active at night.
• Lifestyle: Consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, keeping irregular schedules or using electronic devices before bed.
• Medical problems: Chronic pain, sleep apnoea or acid reflux.

What treatment do we work with at FisioSentis?

At FisioSentis we work with NESA neuromodulation, which offers a non-invasive, medication-free solution to improve sleep quality.

Modulation of the nervous system: NESA acts on the autonomic nervous system, promoting the predominance of the parasympathetic system, which induces relaxation and regulates the sleep cycle.
Reduced stress and anxiety: Chronic stress and anxiety are common causes of insomnia. NESA helps reduce these factors, favouring deep, restorative rest.
Regulation of circadian rhythms: NESA helps restore the balance between wake and sleep rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep at the right times.

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a respiratory disorder in which the airways become partially or completely blocked during sleep. This causes breathing interruptions that can occur hundreds of times a night, without the person being aware of it.

Why is sleep apnoea dangerous?

Beyond snoring, apnoea can have serious health consequences. The lack of oxygen affects the heart, brain and other vital organs, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Main symptoms

• Loud, frequent snoring.
• Waking with a choking sensation.
• Excessive daytime tiredness, even after sleeping eight hours.
• Headaches on waking.

What treatment do we work with at FisioSentis?

At FisioSentis, we work together with specialists to offer personalised treatments. Our approach includes:

• Postural therapy: To reduce the risk of obstruction by changing sleeping position.
• Muscle-strengthening exercises: To improve the tone of the throat muscles.
• Complementary therapies: Such as neuromodulation, which can help ease the symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition that creates an urgent need to move the legs, especially during periods of rest. This discomfort usually worsens at night, interfering with the ability to fall asleep.

What does RLS feel like?

People with RLS describe sensations such as tingling, itching or a kind of electric current in the legs. These sensations are only temporarily relieved by moving them, creating a vicious cycle that affects rest.

What are its causes and possible risk factors?

• Iron deficiencies.
• Neurological problems.
• Use of certain medications.
• Family history.

What treatment do we work with at FisioSentis?

At FisioSentis, we use a multidisciplinary approach that includes:

• Therapeutic massage: To ease muscle tension.
• Specific exercises: That improve circulation in the lower limbs.
• Neuromodulation techniques: To reduce the nerve signals that cause the symptoms.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep and wake cycles. This causes episodes of extreme drowsiness during the day, even in inappropriate situations.

Main features of narcolepsy

• Excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Episodes of cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone).
• Sleep paralysis, a feeling of immobility on waking.
• Vivid dreams that can be confused with reality.

What impact does it have on daily life?

People with narcolepsy find it hard to keep a normal routine, since “sleep attacks” can happen unpredictably.

At FisioSentis, we help manage narcolepsy through:

• Physical exercise programmes: To reduce daytime sleepiness.
• Postural education and relaxation: That improve the quality of night-time sleep.

Why choose FisioSentis to treat sleep disorders

At FisioSentis, we understand that each sleep disorder requires a personalised approach. We offer evidence-based solutions, combining advanced techniques such as neuromodulation, manual therapy and sleep re-education.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, don’t wait any longer. Contact us and take the first step towards restorative rest and a fuller life. We’re here to help you!