Many experts regard that it is necessary to have adequate sleep in order to have a healthy brain and function at optimal efficiency. However, does improper Poor quality sleep leads to a number of diseases? Let’s find out.
Poor quality sleep refers to the extent to which individuals face difficulties in falling asleep, maintaining sleep. It also involves waking up too early and feeling unrested after sleep. Poor quality sleep is an issue of concern among health practitioners as it limits the individual’s ability to function to their full capacity. 
Sexton defines poor quality sleep as the difficulty in the initiation and maintenance of nonrestorative sleep. Despite having many definitions of poor quality sleep, the distinctive theme among the descriptions is that they recognize the difficulty in attaining or maintaining restful sleep.
Rates of Poor Quality Sleep
Statistics provided by the National Sleep Foundation (2014) indicate that up to 45% of Americans claim that lack of adequate sleep affects their daily lives. On average, Americans sleep for 7 hours, and 35 minutes. They reported sleeping for longer working hours during non-work days and public holidays. The table below showcases a description of America’s sleep quality.
In spite of sleeping for the recommended number of hours, 35% of Americans described their sleep quality as poor, and 20% indicated that they did not wake up feeling refreshed after sleeping.
Major Observations
The study also observed a correlation between individual income and group quality. Individuals whose earnings were lower than $20,000 reported having lower sleep quality. Poor quality sleep was also observed in people with lower educational levels and among groups of people aged between 30 and 64 years. Based on the statistics, poor quality sleep is an issue of concern as it affects up to a third of the U.S. population.
1. Poor Quality Sleep and Depression
Various studies have indicated a relationship between poor quality sleep and depression. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition Text Revision (DFSM-IV-TR) provides diagnoses for major mental disorders. Depressive disorder involves symptoms such as depressed moods, loss of appetite, fatigue. Other symptoms include poor concentration, suicidal thoughts, worthlessness, and insomnia or hypersomnia.
The association between lack of sleep and depression was made in earlier centuries. The philosophers established that patients with mental health conditions reported challenges in falling asleep. They also showed signs of waking up too early in the morning, maintaining sleep, disturbed sleep.
Research on the Issue
Homework Help has stated that sleep problems are prevalent in both neurotic and endogenous depression. The researcher service providers discovered that psychological depression, also known as neurotic, was common in patients who reported challenges in falling asleep. Therefore, there is a clear link between poor quality sleep and neurotic and endogenous depression.
2. Poor Quality Sleep and Schizophrenia
There is a clear link between poor quality sleep and schizophrenia. DSM-IV TR Diagnostic Criteria for Schizophrenia involves symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized behavior, and loss of motivation.
It is estimated that 1% of the global population is impacted by schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia show less deep sleep and poor sleep continuity. Sleep disturbances may result in brain changes that increase the likelihood of getting schizophrenia. Schizophrenia also causes poor quality sleep as patients report having disturbed sleep, insomnia, and lack of good sleep quality. Lack of sleep is among the indicators that an individual could be having schizophrenia.
Research on the Issue
Health practitioners report that patients with severe sleep abnormalities also have severe cases of schizophrenia. As a result, poor quality sleep increases the likelihood of getting schizophrenia. It also worsens schizophrenia symptoms for individuals who have already been diagnosed with the disorder. Therefore, addressing poor-quality sleep will lead to positive implications for schizophrenia.
3. Poor Quality Sleep and Anxiety
Poor quality sleep is associated with severe anxiety symptoms. DSM-IV TR Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder includes symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, irritability, problems concentrating, disturbed sleep, and muscle tension for a period of six months or more.
Research on the Issue
The study also indicated that poor sleep results in worsening anxiety, quality of life, and increased likelihood of disability when compared with patients who only have anxiety.
The results of the study indicate that poor quality sleep worsens anxiety and lowers the quality of life for individuals with anxiety.
4. Poor Quality Sleep and Bipolar Disorders
Poor quality sleep is a symptom of bipolar disorder. DSM-IV TR Diagnostic Criteria for Bipolar Disorder includes irritable moods accompanied by at least one of the symptoms such as impulsivity, increased goal-directed behavior, feelings of grandiosity, easily distractible, and reduced need for sleep. There is a correlation between poor quality sleep and the worsening of quality of life in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Research on the Issue
A study presented by Giglio, Andreazza(2009) observed that poor quality sleep leads to negative symptoms for individuals who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder
The study indicated that individuals experiencing sleep disturbances are more likely to have a low quality of life and global function. Similarly, having poor quality sleep translates to the worsening of bipolar disorder symptoms.
5. Poor Sleep and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is more prevalent in people exhibiting sleep disorders. ADHD is related to symptoms associated with sleep disorders such as limb movements in sleep. Rhythm movement disorders such as headbanging. Partial arousal disorders such as sleepwalking, and delayed sleep phase syndrome.
Research on the Issue
The study reported an increased association between ADHD and hypersomnia. The results of the study indicate that ADHD is prevalent in individuals with sleep disorders. Also, the study shows that people who are experiencing sleep disorders are more likely to have ADHD.
Major Causes of Poor Quality Sleep
Mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and ADHD have already been linked to sleep disorders. However, there are other causes of poor quality sleep that increase the likelihood of being impacted by mental disorders. Other causes of poor sleep quality include personality dimensions, environmental factors, and medical factors.
