Why Good Sleep Matters More Than You Think
Sleep is not a luxury – it’s a biological necessity. Yet one in three adults in Switzerland reports poor sleep. In my practice in Zürich Seefeld, sleep disorders are one of the most common complaints, and I take them very seriously. Poor sleep doesn’t just make you tired – it increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and dementia.
Types of Sleep Disorders
Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. The most common sleep disorder. Sleep apnea: Repeated breathing pauses during sleep. Often undiagnosed. Associated with snoring, daytime sleepiness, and cardiovascular risk. Restless legs syndrome: Uncomfortable sensations in the legs with an urge to move, especially at night. Circadian rhythm disorders: Misalignment between the body clock and the desired sleep schedule.
Common Causes We Investigate
Stress and cortisol dysregulation: The most common cause. Cortisol should be low at night – when it’s not, sleep suffers. What we do: Cortisol day profile.
Thyroid disorders: Both overactive and underactive thyroid can disrupt sleep. What we do: Complete thyroid panel.
Magnesium deficiency: Magnesium promotes muscle relaxation and supports GABA production. What we do: Whole blood magnesium measurement.
Iron deficiency: Can cause restless legs and impair sleep. What we do: Ferritin levels (target above 75 ng/ml for restless legs).
Blood sugar fluctuations: Nighttime hypoglycemia can cause awakening with racing heart. What we do: Fasting glucose and insulin.
Hormonal changes: Menopause, progesterone deficiency, and testosterone decline all affect sleep.
Our Diagnostic Approach
Comprehensive sleep history, blood work (thyroid, iron, magnesium, cortisol, hormones, blood sugar), sleep hygiene assessment, and referral for sleep study when indicated.
Treatment
Sleep hygiene optimization, targeted supplementation (magnesium, melatonin when appropriate), treating the underlying cause, stress management techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) when needed.
Conclusion
Sleep disorders deserve medical attention. In our practice, we investigate the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan. Schedule an appointment – good sleep can change your life.
