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The lifestyle of modern people is such that they often sacrifice sleep in favor of numerous daily tasks. However, normal sleep and adherence to biological (circadian) rhythms are extremely important for hormonal balance and the proper functioning of all organs and systems. Sleep disturbances can lead to various consequences — from premature aging of the body to road accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel.
Forms of Sleep Disorders
Insomnia (sleeplessness).
This is a deficiency in the amount of sleep necessary to maintain normal physiological activity. It does not arise on its own but results from both external (noise, light) and internal (thyroid dysfunction, cardiac diseases, asthma, heartburn, etc.) adverse factors. Individuals suffering from insomnia may be unable to fall asleep for several hours.
Parasomnia.
A group of sleep disorders characterized by unusual behaviors or sensations during sleep. These include:
Nightmares
Fear of specific events
Enuresis (urinary incontinence)
Somnambulism (sleepwalking)
Sleep paralysis (a condition when muscle paralysis occurs before falling asleep or upon awakening)
Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged sleep duration).
Researchers have found that oversleeping affects the human body similarly to a hangover.
Disturbance of the sleep–wake rhythm.
The sleep–wake cycle in our body is regulated by circadian rhythms, which can malfunction for various reasons — for instance, due to jet lag (the body’s reaction to changes in time zones) or social jet lag (the difference between waking times on weekdays and weekends).
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS).
This occurs when the soft palate collapses, obstructing the airway. The person stops breathing for several seconds, snorts, and resumes breathing. At that moment, they may either fully awaken or shift into another phase of sleep. This may happen repeatedly during the night, resulting in poor sleep quality. Due to snoring, the body receives insufficient oxygen, blood pressure rises, and both the heart and brain are negatively affected. In severe cases, apnea episodes can occupy up to 60% of total nighttime sleep duration.
Factors leading to pharyngeal narrowing include obesity, nasal obstruction, enlarged tonsils, and a retruded mandible.
Other symptoms may include:
Shallow sleep
Night sweats
Belching
Blood pressure fluctuations
Erectile dysfunction
Weight gain
Over 30% of the Russian population experiences episodes of insomnia, and in half of these individuals, it becomes chronic.
Causes of Insomnia
There are numerous reasons for sleep disturbances — stress, anxiety, and internal organ pathologies. Therefore, it is not enough to treat only the symptoms; it is crucial to identify the underlying cause.
Primary causes of sleep disturbances in adults:
Lack of time management, chaotic lifestyle
Excessive consumption of alcohol, coffee, or nicotine — these substances stimulate the nervous system and may provoke early awakening
Working at a computer, internet surfing, and watching television before bedtime cause nervous excitation and lead to sleep problems
Psychological stress, depression, neurosis
Genetic predisposition — when untreated in childhood, it may progress to chronic insomnia
Secondary causes may include various internal organ pathologies. Sleep disturbance may be linked to cardiac disease, such as dyspnea caused by heart failure.
In women, sleep disorders are often observed during menopause due to hormonal changes. In men, they are a frequent companion of prostatic diseases.
Normal Sleep — the Foundation of Health and Longevity
Sleep is a vital physiological necessity. While we sleep, neurons remain active, and the following processes occur in the brain and body:
Activation of the glymphatic system; continuation of memory consolidation and learning
Regulation of mood, libido, and appetite
Transfer of short-term memories into long-term storage
Formation of immune cells, strengthening the body’s natural defense mechanisms
The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (somatotropin), which also promotes fat metabolism and muscle growth
Testosterone synthesis occurs during deep sleep, with its peak level recorded in the morning upon awakening
For normal progression of these physiological processes, 6–8 hours of restorative nighttime sleep are required.
The pineal gland hormone melatonin regulates the sleep–wake cycles. It is essential for initiating sleep and is secreted more actively in the evening, inducing drowsiness. Melatonin synchronizes biological clocks, a prerequisite for health and longevity. It also influences endocrine glands (including the thyroid), regulates immune function, and affects skin tone and elasticity by influencing collagen, elastin, and cortisol production. Adequate melatonin levels increase stress resistance and provide antioxidant protection.
This neuropeptide is thus the primary guardian of our health, youth, and beauty. For its proper synthesis, high-quality sleep and darkness during rest are required. Melatonin secretion begins around 19:00–22:00 and peaks between 00:00 and 04:00. If one remains awake or exposed to bright light during this period, light entering the retina suppresses melatonin production. This leads to dysfunctions in all melatonin-regulated systems, including weakened immunity, disrupted biorhythms, and accelerated aging.
Therefore, it is important to go to bed early and avoid screens (TV, tablets, smartphones) for several hours before sleep.
Pathogenesis of Sleep Disorders
Problems with falling asleep and maintaining deep sleep often result from impaired melatonin secretion. Exposure to bright light in the evening and at night shifts its production time, making it difficult to fall asleep or wake up.
Short-term insomnia may be caused by stress. Individuals with a hyperactive nervous system often have difficulty falling asleep and may awaken during the night. The worse they sleep, the more they worry about its consequences — creating a vicious cycle that leads to chronic insomnia.
In obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction prevents adequate oxygen intake. The body experiences stress; the sympathetic nervous system is activated, and blood pressure rises. Frequent micro-awakenings occur as the body attempts to restore breathing, disrupting sleep structure and shortening essential sleep phases. As a result, symptoms develop such as:
Night sweats
Irritability, aggression, impaired coordination
Metabolic disturbances, development of diabetes mellitus
Decreased libido and potency
Increased intrathoracic pressure and cardiac load — resulting in nocturnal bradycardia, arrhythmia, and even life-threatening complications
Motor sleep disorders arise when signal transmission from neurons to muscles is impaired due to dopamine deficiency.
Hypersomnia (e.g., narcolepsy) develops from a deficiency of orexin A and B — neuropeptides responsible for wakefulness, typically resulting from autoimmune disorders.
Parasomnia can induce sleep dissociation and trigger stereotypical movements during sleep.
Comorbidities Associated with Sleep Disorders
Stress, frequent air travel, night work, cardiovascular diseases, alcoholism, and smoking can all cause various sleep disturbances.
Imbalance of macro- and microelements, as well as B vitamins, often leads to insomnia. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause and andropause, hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormones), or hypothyroidism (hormonal deficiency) can also cause disturbances — the former leading to insomnia, the latter to somnolence.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) may result from:
Nasal and tonsillar pathology
Mandibular displacement or dysfunction
Oropharyngeal tissue hypertrophy
Excess weight
Pituitary dysfunction
Hypothyroidism, etc.
Restless Legs Syndrome occurs in diabetes mellitus and iron deficiency.
Nocturnal cramps are observed in cases of iron, magnesium, potassium, or B-vitamin deficiency.
Sleep disturbances frequently accompany psychiatric conditions: PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia, depression, neurosis, etc.
Daytime sleepiness and nightmares may follow traumatic brain injuries, tumors, or central nervous system diseases.
Diseases of the urinary tract and gastroesophageal reflux also interfere with sleep. Alcohol, antidepressants, neuroleptics, and energy drinks may further exacerbate insomnia.
Consequences of Sleep Disorders
The primary consequence is decreased quality of life. The individual experiences persistent fatigue, sleepiness, irritability, impaired attention, memory, and coordination. Concentration and positive emotions diminish, leading to deterioration of mental and physical health and even suicidal ideation.
Possible complications include:
Arterial hypertension
Hormonal imbalance: decreased leptin (energy metabolism regulator), increased ghrelin (stimulates appetite), resulting in overeating, carbohydrate cravings, and obesity
Development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome
Increased risk of colorectal cancer
Depression
Decreased sex hormone production and libido
Frequent respiratory infections
Reduced collagen and growth hormone synthesis, negatively affecting skin and tissues
Gastrointestinal dysfunction, irregular bowel movements, impaired digestion
In obstructive sleep apnea, severe complications may develop:
Arterial and resistant hypertension
Nocturnal bradyarrhythmia (heart rate below 60 bpm), sometimes requiring pacemaker implantation
Cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and even sudden death
Even milder outcomes of OSAS may be undesirable — for example, if one spouse suffers from it, the risk of divorce increases.
With hypersomnia, individuals are at risk of trauma or traffic accidents.
During parasomnia, patients may inadvertently injure themselves or their partners.
Sleepiness interferes with professional performance.
Prevention of Sleep Disorders
Sleep hygiene should be prioritized and maintained through the following principles:
Do not stay in bed longer than 20 minutes if unable to sleep
Avoid sleeping longer than 8 hours
Do not go to bed either hungry or overfed
Sleep in complete darkness, free from noise and light sources
Go to bed at the same time daily, preferably before 22:00–23:00
Avoid stressful situations when possible
Maintain a healthy diet
Engage in regular physical activity
Ventilate the room before sleeping
Keep electronic devices away from the bed — screen exposure disrupts melatonin synthesis and accelerates aging
Managing Sleep Disorders
In some cases, simple measures are sufficient:
Establish a bedtime routine — take a walk, read, or have a contrast shower before sleep
If unable to sleep within 30 minutes, get up and engage in a calm activity until drowsy
Herbal remedies such as chamomile tea, valerian, motherwort, oregano, St. John’s wort, mint, melissa, or lavender may help (beware of allergies)
A warm bath with essential oils may facilitate sleep
Avoid stimulants or heavy meals before bedtime
Exclude daytime naps
Do not go to bed in an emotionally aroused state
Exercise no later than three hours before sleep
Avoid late-night television and postpone phone calls until morning
For severe sleep disturbances, consult a specialist — a general practitioner (to identify underlying conditions), a somnologist (for diagnostic clarification), or a psychotherapist/neurologist (if depression is suspected).
Psychotherapy and sleep hygiene generally provide more sustainable results than hypnotic medications. Hypnotics should be used only under medical supervision, without alcohol. In apnea or breathing difficulties, some hypnotics are contraindicated.
If insomnia is secondary to another disease, prognosis depends on the treatment of the underlying condition.
Diagnostic Methods
Chronic sleep disturbances slow down reaction times, impair cognitive performance, accelerate aging, and cause physiological and psychological disorders. Therefore, modern sleep diagnostics are essential for maintaining optimal function throughout life.
Diagnostic methods include:
Consultation with a somnologist or anti-aging medicine specialist
Polysomnography: an instrumental study assessing physiological changes during sleep — sleep stages, breathing quality, limb movements
Actigraphy: uses an actigraph device resembling a wristwatch to monitor light exposure and motor activity
Cardiorespiratory monitoring: evaluates breathing disturbances during sleep using body sensors
CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): the main treatment for apnea, providing artificial ventilation with constant positive pressure
Sleep Disorders Treatment at Expert Clinics
Physicians at Expert Clinics possess extensive multidisciplinary knowledge, including in anti-aging medicine, allowing them to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of sleep disorders.
Our doctors follow an individualized approach. Treatment often requires combined protocols and methods determined, if necessary, at interdisciplinary medical councils.
Particular attention is paid to restoring biological rhythms and normalizing melatonin levels, on which many vital processes depend.
The specialists at Expert Clinics are capable of effectively treating sleep disorders in the shortest possible time and under comfortable conditions for the patient.
Forms of Sleep Disorders
Insomnia (sleeplessness).
This is a deficiency in the amount of sleep necessary to maintain normal physiological activity. It does not arise on its own but results from both external (noise, light) and internal (thyroid dysfunction, cardiac diseases, asthma, heartburn, etc.) adverse factors. Individuals suffering from insomnia may be unable to fall asleep for several hours.
Parasomnia.
A group of sleep disorders characterized by unusual behaviors or sensations during sleep. These include:
Nightmares
Fear of specific events
Enuresis (urinary incontinence)
Somnambulism (sleepwalking)
Sleep paralysis (a condition when muscle paralysis occurs before falling asleep or upon awakening)
Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged sleep duration).
Researchers have found that oversleeping affects the human body similarly to a hangover.
Disturbance of the sleep–wake rhythm.
The sleep–wake cycle in our body is regulated by circadian rhythms, which can malfunction for various reasons — for instance, due to jet lag (the body’s reaction to changes in time zones) or social jet lag (the difference between waking times on weekdays and weekends).
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS).
This occurs when the soft palate collapses, obstructing the airway. The person stops breathing for several seconds, snorts, and resumes breathing. At that moment, they may either fully awaken or shift into another phase of sleep. This may happen repeatedly during the night, resulting in poor sleep quality. Due to snoring, the body receives insufficient oxygen, blood pressure rises, and both the heart and brain are negatively affected. In severe cases, apnea episodes can occupy up to 60% of total nighttime sleep duration.
Factors leading to pharyngeal narrowing include obesity, nasal obstruction, enlarged tonsils, and a retruded mandible.
Other symptoms may include:
Shallow sleep
Night sweats
Belching
Blood pressure fluctuations
Erectile dysfunction
Weight gain
Over 30% of the Russian population experiences episodes of insomnia, and in half of these individuals, it becomes chronic.
Causes of Insomnia
There are numerous reasons for sleep disturbances — stress, anxiety, and internal organ pathologies. Therefore, it is not enough to treat only the symptoms; it is crucial to identify the underlying cause.
Primary causes of sleep disturbances in adults:
Lack of time management, chaotic lifestyle
Excessive consumption of alcohol, coffee, or nicotine — these substances stimulate the nervous system and may provoke early awakening
Working at a computer, internet surfing, and watching television before bedtime cause nervous excitation and lead to sleep problems
Psychological stress, depression, neurosis
Genetic predisposition — when untreated in childhood, it may progress to chronic insomnia
Secondary causes may include various internal organ pathologies. Sleep disturbance may be linked to cardiac disease, such as dyspnea caused by heart failure.
In women, sleep disorders are often observed during menopause due to hormonal changes. In men, they are a frequent companion of prostatic diseases.
Normal Sleep — the Foundation of Health and Longevity
Sleep is a vital physiological necessity. While we sleep, neurons remain active, and the following processes occur in the brain and body:
Activation of the glymphatic system; continuation of memory consolidation and learning
Regulation of mood, libido, and appetite
Transfer of short-term memories into long-term storage
Formation of immune cells, strengthening the body’s natural defense mechanisms
The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (somatotropin), which also promotes fat metabolism and muscle growth
Testosterone synthesis occurs during deep sleep, with its peak level recorded in the morning upon awakening
For normal progression of these physiological processes, 6–8 hours of restorative nighttime sleep are required.
The pineal gland hormone melatonin regulates the sleep–wake cycles. It is essential for initiating sleep and is secreted more actively in the evening, inducing drowsiness. Melatonin synchronizes biological clocks, a prerequisite for health and longevity. It also influences endocrine glands (including the thyroid), regulates immune function, and affects skin tone and elasticity by influencing collagen, elastin, and cortisol production. Adequate melatonin levels increase stress resistance and provide antioxidant protection.
This neuropeptide is thus the primary guardian of our health, youth, and beauty. For its proper synthesis, high-quality sleep and darkness during rest are required. Melatonin secretion begins around 19:00–22:00 and peaks between 00:00 and 04:00. If one remains awake or exposed to bright light during this period, light entering the retina suppresses melatonin production. This leads to dysfunctions in all melatonin-regulated systems, including weakened immunity, disrupted biorhythms, and accelerated aging.
Therefore, it is important to go to bed early and avoid screens (TV, tablets, smartphones) for several hours before sleep.
Pathogenesis of Sleep Disorders
Problems with falling asleep and maintaining deep sleep often result from impaired melatonin secretion. Exposure to bright light in the evening and at night shifts its production time, making it difficult to fall asleep or wake up.
Short-term insomnia may be caused by stress. Individuals with a hyperactive nervous system often have difficulty falling asleep and may awaken during the night. The worse they sleep, the more they worry about its consequences — creating a vicious cycle that leads to chronic insomnia.
In obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction prevents adequate oxygen intake. The body experiences stress; the sympathetic nervous system is activated, and blood pressure rises. Frequent micro-awakenings occur as the body attempts to restore breathing, disrupting sleep structure and shortening essential sleep phases. As a result, symptoms develop such as:
Night sweats
Irritability, aggression, impaired coordination
Metabolic disturbances, development of diabetes mellitus
Decreased libido and potency
Increased intrathoracic pressure and cardiac load — resulting in nocturnal bradycardia, arrhythmia, and even life-threatening complications
Motor sleep disorders arise when signal transmission from neurons to muscles is impaired due to dopamine deficiency.
Hypersomnia (e.g., narcolepsy) develops from a deficiency of orexin A and B — neuropeptides responsible for wakefulness, typically resulting from autoimmune disorders.
Parasomnia can induce sleep dissociation and trigger stereotypical movements during sleep.
Comorbidities Associated with Sleep Disorders
Stress, frequent air travel, night work, cardiovascular diseases, alcoholism, and smoking can all cause various sleep disturbances.
Imbalance of macro- and microelements, as well as B vitamins, often leads to insomnia. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause and andropause, hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormones), or hypothyroidism (hormonal deficiency) can also cause disturbances — the former leading to insomnia, the latter to somnolence.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) may result from:
Nasal and tonsillar pathology
Mandibular displacement or dysfunction
Oropharyngeal tissue hypertrophy
Excess weight
Pituitary dysfunction
Hypothyroidism, etc.
Restless Legs Syndrome occurs in diabetes mellitus and iron deficiency.
Nocturnal cramps are observed in cases of iron, magnesium, potassium, or B-vitamin deficiency.
Sleep disturbances frequently accompany psychiatric conditions: PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia, depression, neurosis, etc.
Daytime sleepiness and nightmares may follow traumatic brain injuries, tumors, or central nervous system diseases.
Diseases of the urinary tract and gastroesophageal reflux also interfere with sleep. Alcohol, antidepressants, neuroleptics, and energy drinks may further exacerbate insomnia.
Consequences of Sleep Disorders
The primary consequence is decreased quality of life. The individual experiences persistent fatigue, sleepiness, irritability, impaired attention, memory, and coordination. Concentration and positive emotions diminish, leading to deterioration of mental and physical health and even suicidal ideation.
Possible complications include:
Arterial hypertension
Hormonal imbalance: decreased leptin (energy metabolism regulator), increased ghrelin (stimulates appetite), resulting in overeating, carbohydrate cravings, and obesity
Development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome
Increased risk of colorectal cancer
Depression
Decreased sex hormone production and libido
Frequent respiratory infections
Reduced collagen and growth hormone synthesis, negatively affecting skin and tissues
Gastrointestinal dysfunction, irregular bowel movements, impaired digestion
In obstructive sleep apnea, severe complications may develop:
Arterial and resistant hypertension
Nocturnal bradyarrhythmia (heart rate below 60 bpm), sometimes requiring pacemaker implantation
Cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and even sudden death
Even milder outcomes of OSAS may be undesirable — for example, if one spouse suffers from it, the risk of divorce increases.
With hypersomnia, individuals are at risk of trauma or traffic accidents.
During parasomnia, patients may inadvertently injure themselves or their partners.
Sleepiness interferes with professional performance.
Prevention of Sleep Disorders
Sleep hygiene should be prioritized and maintained through the following principles:
Do not stay in bed longer than 20 minutes if unable to sleep
Avoid sleeping longer than 8 hours
Do not go to bed either hungry or overfed
Sleep in complete darkness, free from noise and light sources
Go to bed at the same time daily, preferably before 22:00–23:00
Avoid stressful situations when possible
Maintain a healthy diet
Engage in regular physical activity
Ventilate the room before sleeping
Keep electronic devices away from the bed — screen exposure disrupts melatonin synthesis and accelerates aging
Managing Sleep Disorders
In some cases, simple measures are sufficient:
Establish a bedtime routine — take a walk, read, or have a contrast shower before sleep
If unable to sleep within 30 minutes, get up and engage in a calm activity until drowsy
Herbal remedies such as chamomile tea, valerian, motherwort, oregano, St. John’s wort, mint, melissa, or lavender may help (beware of allergies)
A warm bath with essential oils may facilitate sleep
Avoid stimulants or heavy meals before bedtime
Exclude daytime naps
Do not go to bed in an emotionally aroused state
Exercise no later than three hours before sleep
Avoid late-night television and postpone phone calls until morning
For severe sleep disturbances, consult a specialist — a general practitioner (to identify underlying conditions), a somnologist (for diagnostic clarification), or a psychotherapist/neurologist (if depression is suspected).
Psychotherapy and sleep hygiene generally provide more sustainable results than hypnotic medications. Hypnotics should be used only under medical supervision, without alcohol. In apnea or breathing difficulties, some hypnotics are contraindicated.
If insomnia is secondary to another disease, prognosis depends on the treatment of the underlying condition.
Diagnostic Methods
Chronic sleep disturbances slow down reaction times, impair cognitive performance, accelerate aging, and cause physiological and psychological disorders. Therefore, modern sleep diagnostics are essential for maintaining optimal function throughout life.
Diagnostic methods include:
Consultation with a somnologist or anti-aging medicine specialist
Polysomnography: an instrumental study assessing physiological changes during sleep — sleep stages, breathing quality, limb movements
Actigraphy: uses an actigraph device resembling a wristwatch to monitor light exposure and motor activity
Cardiorespiratory monitoring: evaluates breathing disturbances during sleep using body sensors
CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): the main treatment for apnea, providing artificial ventilation with constant positive pressure
Sleep Disorders Treatment at Expert Clinics
Physicians at Expert Clinics possess extensive multidisciplinary knowledge, including in anti-aging medicine, allowing them to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of sleep disorders.
Our doctors follow an individualized approach. Treatment often requires combined protocols and methods determined, if necessary, at interdisciplinary medical councils.
Particular attention is paid to restoring biological rhythms and normalizing melatonin levels, on which many vital processes depend.
The specialists at Expert Clinics are capable of effectively treating sleep disorders in the shortest possible time and under comfortable conditions for the patient.
+7 (495) 154-21-44 
admin@expertclinics.ru 
Moscow, Starovolynskaya st., 12 bld. 1