10. Nocturnal Discomfort: The Rest Thief
We all treasure a good night’s sleep, but for those dealing with esophageal achalasia, the nights can be long and restless. The symptom we’re highlighting here is nocturnal discomfort. Think of it as the enigmatic cousin of insomnia, only it’s not your thoughts keeping you awake—it’s your own esophagus.
So what happens under the cover of darkness? As you lie down, the food and liquid that are trapped in your esophagus shift, causing a spectrum of discomfort. In some ways, it’s as if your body’s saying, “Hey, you can’t escape me, not even in your dreams.” It’s a wake-up call no one asked for, and one that offers no snooze button.
Don’t expect this to be a one-off event. Unlike a bad dream that you can shake off in the morning, the physical discomfort can stretch on for hours, robbing you of the vital rest you need to function during the day. So you toss, turn, and perhaps even consider taking up nocturnal birdwatching because sleep has effectively exited the chat.
What’s the aftermath? Irritability, fatigue, and reduced cognitive performance during waking hours. But it doesn’t stop there. This sleep deprivation begins to interfere with every aspect of life, from work performance to personal relationships. It’s the elephant in the room that no one can see but you feel, persistently.
And let’s not forget the ripple effects. Ever tried focusing on work after a night of choppy sleep? How about staying present during a conversation or driving safely? The nocturnal discomfort does more than just steal sleep; it saps the quality out of awake time, making its impact felt 24/7. (10)
