5 most common nocturnal problems

DHAKA, July 7: For most of us, night is a time for rest and recuperation. But it`s also the time when you might experience symptoms that are clues that things are not well. A problem with sleeping can be a symptom in itself. General practitioners believe night sweats, for example, could be a sign of tuberculosis, teeth grinding depicts stress levels in the body and leg cramps are a result of poor diet.

Here are some common nocturnal problems and what they may mean

Symptom 1: Heartburn

Could be: Barrett`s Oesophagus

Experts says that up to 40 per cent of people have heartburn at some stage of their life and the majority have nothing wrong with them.

However, long-term, persistent heartburn isn`t normal and should be investigated. It can lead to changes in the lining of the gullet — this is called Barrett`s Oesophagus. It makes the oesophagus more resistant to acid but more prone to cancer. Regular check-ups can catch cancer early.

 

It can also be treated with lifestyle changes to reduce acid. Many people who are troubled by heartburn get it day and night. At night, you lie flat on your back, so with no help from gravity, more acid can enter the oesophagus.

Could also be: Gastritis, oesophagitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux or hiatus hernia.

See your doctor if: Heartburn is long term, you have difficulty swallowing, you`re losing weight.

Symptom 2: Teeth grinding

Could be: Stress

This is either clenching the jaw and teeth, or teeth grinding. A lot of people make so much noise with their teeth that their partner can`t sleep.

Teeth grinding is a recognised sleep disorder — the third most common behind insomnia and snoring. There are many different causes, including stress and anxiety. Don`t pop the sleeping pill, it can make things worse. However, hypnotherapy may help find the cause of the stress.

Other treatments include mouth guards and mandibular advancement devices, which hold the lower jaw and tongue forward. Bruxism can also be affected by lifestyle — alcohol, smoking and excessive caffeine can bring it on.

Could also be: Linked with obstructive sleep apnoea where you stop breathing at night.

See your doc if: You`re suffering from stress and anxiety, or have sleep apnoea. Else, see your dentist.

Symptom 3: Night sweats

Could be: Tuberculosis

With TB, the body temperature tends to rise in the evening and at night, rather than during the day time. It tends to be severe — the kind of sweating where you need to change the sheets. In such a case, the body temperatures could go up to 100.4oF.

However, be warned that night sweats happen with other conditions, too, so you need to check for those.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India accounts for one-fifth of the global TB incident cases. Each year nearly 2 million people in India develop TB, of which around 0.87 million are infectious cases.

Could also be: Menopause, pneumonia or leukaemia, or lymphoma. Or you could be wearing a ticker blanket.

See your doc if: It lasts longer than a week and you have lost more than three kilos of weight.

Symptom 4: Visiting the loo a lot — Nocturia

Could be: Diabetes

Going to the loo at night is a common symptom of undiagnosed diabetes. The body has high sugar levels and is trying to push it out with the urine, which makes a person want to relieve their bladder often.

People above 40 years of age often put it down to getting old, but it`s a symptom that needs to get checked. Other symptoms may include drinking more than usual and excessive tiredness.

If a child who has previously been dry at night starts to wet the bed, parents often think that they`re upset about something at school. But it`s also a red flag symptom of type 1 diabetes.

Could also be: Pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions ( women), enlarged prostate (men).

See your doctor if: It`s a new problem, especially if you have other risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Symptom 5: Leg cramps

Could be: Poor diet

Leg cramps can be a sign of deficiency in electrolyte nutrients, such as, potassium and magnesium, which help control the balance of fluids in the body. This affects the muscle`s ability to function. Calcium is also needed for effective muscle fibre contraction.

 

Magnesium helps with nerve impulses across muscle tissue. Build up magnesium by eating pumpkin seeds, fish and green vegetables. Stock up on potassium with bananas or a supplement.

 

Leg cramps in healthy people can be due to low levels of sodium (salt). This happens if you exercise and sweat a lot. Drink plenty of fluids. Coconut water is a good hydrator and contains electrolytes.

Could also be: Caused by your medication, especially diuretics.

See your doctor if: You also have cardiovascular issues.