Sleep Disorders: Understanding Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment – Insights by Dr. Kunal Bahrani
Sleep is one of the most essential biological processes for the human body — as vital as food and oxygen. Yet, millions of people across the world struggle with sleep disorders that silently disrupt their health, productivity, and emotional well-being.
Sleep issues are often dismissed as simple fatigue, but persistent insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs, or narcolepsy can indicate a deeper neurological dysfunction. According to Dr. Kunal Bahrani, Chairman & Group Director – Neurology at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, understanding and addressing the neurological roots of sleep disorders is the key to restoring both physical and mental balance.
What Are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders are medical conditions that interfere with a person’s ability to sleep well on a regular basis. They affect the duration, quality, and timing of sleep — leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, and mood disturbances.
Sleep problems can range from difficulty falling asleep to abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking or nightmares.
Common Types of Sleep Disorders
Dr. Kunal Bahrani classifies sleep disorders into several major types:
- Insomnia
Difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to fatigue and irritability during the day. Often linked to stress, anxiety, or neurological imbalance.
- Sleep Apnea
A serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway collapses or becomes blocked.
Symptoms include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and excessive daytime drowsiness.
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
A neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them — especially during rest or sleep.
- Narcolepsy
A rare but disabling neurological condition that causes sudden sleep attacks, often during daytime activities. It results from the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles properly.
- Circadian Rhythm Disorders
These occur when the body’s internal clock is out of sync with the external environment — such as in night shift workers or jet lag sufferers.
- Parasomnias
These include abnormal movements or behaviors during sleep — such as sleepwalking, sleep talking, night terrors, or REM behavior disorder.
What Causes Sleep Disorders?
The causes of sleep disorders can vary widely. According to Dr. Bahrani, they can be neurological, psychological, or environmental in nature.
- Neurological Imbalance – Dysfunction in brain areas controlling sleep, like the hypothalamus or brainstem, or irregular neurotransmitter activity.
2. Stress & Anxiety – Emotional distress disrupts the normal sleep-wake rhythm.
3. Hormonal & Metabolic Issues – Thyroid disorders, diabetes, or menopause can interfere with sleep.
4. Medications & Stimulants – Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or certain drugs may disturb sleep.
5. Chronic Pain or Medical Conditions – Arthritis, asthma, or heart problems can make sleeping difficult.
6. Lifestyle & Environment – Poor sleep hygiene, irregular schedules, excessive screen time, and light exposure are growing culprits.
Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
Common signs that suggest you may have a sleep disorder include:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Loud snoring or choking sounds
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Unexplained fatigue even after full night’s sleep
- Unusual behaviors during sleep (talking, walking, etc.)
If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consulting a neurologist is strongly advised.
Neurological Basis of Sleep Disorders
Sleep is governed by complex brain networks that regulate the circadian rhythm — your body’s internal 24-hour clock.
Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and orexin play a crucial role in maintaining the sleep-wake balance.
Any disturbance in these chemical signals or brain regions — due to trauma, genetics, or disease — can result in sleep dysfunction.
As one of the top neurologists in Faridabad, Dr. Kunal Bahrani uses advanced sleep study technologies and neurological evaluations to identify the exact source of disturbance.
Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders
Dr. Bahrani and his team at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad perform comprehensive sleep assessments that include:
- Detailed medical and neurological evaluation
- Sleep diaries and questionnaires
- Polysomnography (Overnight Sleep Study) – Records brain activity, breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep
- EEG (Electroencephalogram) – Detects abnormal electrical activity in the brain
- Actigraphy – Monitors movement and sleep patterns over several days
- Blood Tests – To check for thyroid, hormonal, or vitamin deficiencies
These diagnostic methods help pinpoint whether the cause is neurological, psychological, or lifestyle-related.
Treatment Options for Sleep Disorders
Treatment depends on the specific condition and its underlying cause. Dr. Kunal Bahrani’s approach focuses on long-term restoration of normal sleep patterns through neurological precision and behavioral interventions.
- Lifestyle & Behavioral Therapy
- Maintaining a consistent sleep routine
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and electronic devices before bed
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or meditation
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Especially beneficial for insomnia, CBT helps modify negative thought patterns and habits that interfere with sleep.
- Medication (when needed)
Short-term use of sedatives, melatonin, or dopamine-regulating drugs may be prescribed — always under close supervision.
- Neurological Treatment
For sleep apnea, devices like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are highly effective.
For RLS or narcolepsy, medications targeting specific neurotransmitters may be recommended.
- Advanced Sleep Medicine
At Yatharth Hospitals, Dr. Bahrani’s team integrates EEG-based brain mapping, polysomnography, and neurostimulation therapies for personalized treatment — ensuring patients regain natural, restorative sleep.
When to Consult a Neurologist
You should see a neurologist if:
- You frequently feel tired despite sleeping 7–8 hours
- You snore loudly or gasp for breath during sleep
- You experience daytime sleep attacks or paralysis
- You have restless movements or strange behaviors during sleep
Early diagnosis prevents long-term neurological and cardiovascular complications associated with untreated sleep disorders.
Complications of Untreated Sleep Disorders
Ignoring sleep issues can lead to serious consequences, including:
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Weakened immune system
- Weight gain and diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory loss and poor concentration
Why Choose Dr. Kunal Bahrani at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad
As one of the best neurologists in Faridabad, Dr. Kunal Bahrani brings decades of experience in diagnosing and treating complex neurological sleep disorders.
At Yatharth Hospitals, patients benefit from:
- State-of-the-art Sleep & Neuro Diagnostic Labs
- Personalized treatment based on neurological findings
- Collaboration with pulmonologists and psychiatrists for holistic care
- Proven expertise in neurostimulation and behavioral therapies
FAQs
Q1. Are sleep disorders curable?
Yes, most sleep disorders are manageable or curable with timely diagnosis and proper neurological treatment.
Q2. Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
Not always, but frequent loud snoring with daytime fatigue may indicate sleep apnea.
Q3. How much sleep is ideal for adults?
7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night is recommended for optimal health.
Q4. Can stress cause sleep disorders?
Yes. Chronic stress can alter brain chemistry, disrupting natural sleep patterns.
Q5. What kind of doctor should I see for sleep problems?
A neurologist or sleep medicine specialist like Dr. Kunal Bahrani can provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.