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What’s
keeping you from a good night’s sleep?
Insomnia
Insomnia can manifest in a number of ways including difficulty falling
asleep, difficulty staying asleep or waking up too early. There are three
types of insomnia – transient insomnia which lasts only for a few
nights; short-term insomnia which lasts for two or three weeks; and chronic
insomnia in which poor sleep lasts three weeks or longer.
The most common symptoms of insomnia
are sleeplessness, anxiety, impaired memory, irritability, and impaired
concentration.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disruption of breathing during sleep in which there are
brief periods throughout the night when breathing stops. People with sleep
apnea do not get enough oxygen and have inadequate sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the
most common type and is due to an obstruction in the throat during sleep.
There could be many causes of the blockage including tongue, tonsils,
and fatty tissue in the throat or relaxed throat muscles.
Central sleep apnea is very rare
and is caused by an interrupted or delayed signal from the brain to breathe.
The most common symptoms of sleep
apnea are loud snoring, waking up and feeling unrefreshed, having trouble
staying awake during the day, waking up with headaches, waking up during
the night and feeling like you are choking, and sexual problems.
Narcolepsy
People with narcolepsy experience the irresistible need to sleep no matter
how much sleep they get at night. They may fall asleep while working,
talking or driving a car. These sleep attacks can last from 30 seconds
to more than 30 minutes. Some people with narcolepsy may also have cataplexy,
a sudden decrease in muscle control, which is usually associated with
strong emotions such as anger or laughter.
Some of the most common symptoms
of narcolepsy include excessive sleepiness; a temporary decrease or loss
of muscle control associated with strong emotion; vivid dreams when drifting
off to sleep or waking up; and waking up and being unable to move or talk
for a short time.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a discomfort in the legs when people are
sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime. Persons with RLS feel the
constant need to stretch or move their legs which prevents them from falling
asleep
Symptoms are most likely to occur
while riding in a car or airplane, watching television, reading, lying
in bed trying to fall asleep, or during periods of inactivity, especially
while sitting (at work, for example).
Pediatric and adolescent
sleep disorders
Pediatric sleep disorders are very common, occurring in up to 30 percent
of children, with significant adverse impact upon the child and/or the
entire family. All of the sleep disorders that affect adults have a pediatric
counterpart. The most common problems are of the sleep/wake schedule (difficulty
falling or staying asleep, or inability to sleep at desired times). Infants
and children also suffer from sleep apnea. Narcolepsy typically begins
in adolescence and may affect younger children. Unusual motor behavior
during sleep may result from night terrors, sleepwalking or nocturnal
seizures.
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