Sleep Disorders

Sleep is vital to proper brain and body function.  Below are some of the most common sleep disorders.  If you exhibit any of the following symptoms, or believe you may be suffering from a disorder not listed below, you may benefit from a professional evaluation.  Remember, proper diagnosis is key to successful treatment. Call (877) 307-5337 to make an appointment. 

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of low breathing during sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is caused by a physical block in the air pathway of an individual. As with all types of sleep apnea, the sleeper is, in most cases, not aware of his or her breathing difficulty, even upon awakening.

Symptoms

  •    Excessive sleepiness during the daytime
  •    Loud snoring
  •    Restless sleep
  •    Choking during sleep
  •    Multiple awakenings at night

Sleep Apnea Links & Resources

  •    Sleep apnea – Wikipedia
        o    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_apnea
  •    Sleep Apnea and Sleep – National Sleep Foundation
        o    http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/sleep-apnea-and-sleep
  •    Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea - WebMD
        o    http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/understanding-obstructive-sleep-apnea-syndrome

Insomnia

Insomnia, as a sleep disorder, encompasses a broad range of symptoms that lead to the same end result: difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.

Factors Influencing Specific Diagnosis Insomnia:
  •    Primary Insomnia: Sleep difficulties not linked with any other existing health condition
  •    Secondary Insomnia: Sleep problems caused by another health condition (depression, chronic pain, arthritis, cancer, etc)
  •    Acute Insomnia: An inability to sleep well lasting less than a month
  •    Chronic Insomnia: An inability to sleep well lasting a month or longer  

Because symptoms and causes of insomnia vary from individual to individual, only a comprehensive sleep study by a sleep professional can lead to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. 

Insomnia Links & Resources
  •    Insomnia – Wikipedia
        o    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insomnia#Types_of_insomnia
  •    Can’t Sleep? What to Know About Insomnia – National Sleep Foundation
        o    http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep
  •    An Overview of Insomnia – WebMD
        o    http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/insomnia-symptoms-and-causes

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that is described by sufferers as an overwhelming urge to move parts of one’s body in order to stop uncomfortable feelings in that area. These sensations usually take place when the body is at rest - sitting or sleeping. They are temporarily relieved when the affected body part is moved. This constant awkwardness and resulting movements caused by RLS often have a negative impact on one’s ability to sleep since they usually occur in a resting state.

Symptoms
  •    As noted above, a compulsive movement in the limbs to alleviate an uncomfortable sensation
  •    Sitting or laying worsens the awkward feelings
  •    Unusual sensations are worse in the evening or early at night

Restless Leg Syndrome Links & Resources
  •    Restless Leg Syndrome – Wikipedia
        o    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restless_legs_syndrome
  •    RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome) Diagnosis – National Sleep Foundation
        o    http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/rls-restless-legs-syndrome-diagnosis
  •    The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
        o    http://www.rls.org

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder. The disease can be categorized by an excessive urge to sleep at undesired times and places.

Symptoms
  •    Person becomes drowsy, falls asleep, and/or is simply very tired throughout the day
  •    Naps during the day occur without warning and are physically uncontrollable
  •    Naps may occur several times throughout the day
  •    Nighttime sleep is restless and/or fragmented



Narcolepsy Resources
  •    Narcolepsy – Wikipedia
        o    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcolepsy
  •    Narcolepsy and Sleep – National Sleep Foundation
        o    http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/narcolepsy-and-sleep
  •    Narcolepsy – WebMD
        o    http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/narcolepsy

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