Sleep-Related Disorders
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Sleep-Related Disorders
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Snoring is not always just a normal annoying occurrence. If snoring is light, it may not represent a health problem. However, heavy snoring may be a symptom of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea.
People with sleep apnea stop breathing many times during sleep. These apneas last 10 to 90 seconds and may occur several hundred times a night. The symptoms of sleep apnea are excessive daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure and heavy snoring.
When sleep apnea is present, weight loss, nasal CPAP or an upper airway operation may be necessary to diminish the serious health risks. It is important to emphasize that correct treatment can be undertaken only after the real medical condition has been accurately diagnosed.
Narcolepsy
People who are too sleepy during the day and feel muscular weakness when they are angry, surprised or amused may have narcolepsy. Sometimes narcoleptics experience terrifying dreams or hallucinations just as they fall asleep. Narcolepsy often emerges in young adulthood and is a lifelong medical disorder.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a symptom that may be caused by many conditions. Some of them are psychological (chronic depression or temporary stress), environmental (noise) or physiological (chronic breathing disorder or temporary pain). Another common cause of insomnia is misuse and overuse of sleeping pills.
Nocturnal Myoclonus
People who have periodic leg movements (nocturnal myoclonus) during sleep may not get proper rest and feel they have either insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares are frightening dream experiences which can later be recalled. These may occur at any age. Night terrors are often accompanied by an anguished scream, yet the person seldom recalls the experience. Night terrors generally disappear after adolescence. The causes of nightmares and night terrors can vary. Frequent episodes deserve evaluation.
Body Clocks
The brain has clocks, which time when we should get up, sleep, eat, etc. Jet lag and shift work can disturb normal bodily functions. If the internal clocks are out of order, physical and/or mental well-being is affected.