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Sleep Disorders What are sleep disorders? Sleep disorders are disorders in the sleep patterns of both people and animals. During sleep, the body rests and the energy levels of the body are restored. Consequentially, if a person does not get enough sleep then, his body does not function effectively. Sometimes, it may lead to abnormal oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Some sleep disorders can interfere with mental and emotional functions Insufficient rest adversely affects the frontal cortex of the brain and may result in problems with speech, memory, and ability to solve problems.
Due to sleep deprivation, otherwise healthy people quickly show symptoms of age and early diabetes as glucose metabolism falls by up to forty percent. These physical reactions disappear when the person gets enough rest. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) has suggested that social problems such as road rage may be caused, in part, by lack of sleep. While the amount of sleep a person needs can differ with age and lifestyle; the average adult requires eight to nine hours of sleep.
The average sleep rate is falling across the world, especially in developed countries. The 2002 Sleep in America poll, conducted by the NSF, indicates that the average American adult now only sleeps 6. 9 hours a night. Shift workers get only 5 hours of sleep and suffer most from sleep disorders. Types of sleep disorders Experts divide sleep disorders into four major types: 1) Dyssomnias: A broad category of sleep disorders characterized by either hyper somnolence or insomnia.
Common disorders include: Insomnia: is a significant lack of high-quality sleep. It can be short-term or chronic. Sleep apnea: This is an obstruction of the airway during sleep. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD): This is an irresistible urge to move legs while sleeping. Sometimes accompanied by periodic and involuntary movement of arms also. Narcolepsy: The condition of falling asleep spontaneously and unwillingly 2) Parasomnias: Include a variety of disruptive sleep-related events such as REM (Rapid Eye movement) sleep behavior disorder, Sleep terror, Sleepwalking, Tooth-grinding, Bedwetting, Sudden infant death syndrome, Sleep talking and Sleep sex.
Medical or Psychiatric Conditions that may produce sleep disorders include Psychoses such as Schizophrenia, Mood disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Panic and Alcoholism Other Sleep disorders include Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS); Rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD), Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), Snoring and Sleeping sickness Fortunately, most of these disorders can be treated successfully. Common causes of sleep disorders Sleep disorders are mainly caused by changes in life style such as change in shift timings change or a new baby that keeps one awake. Sometimes it can be caused by back pain, chronic pain, sciatica, or a noise that does not allow deep sleep. Occasionally it can be a drug or medication that the patient is taking for some other problem that can affect the quality of sleep. Emotional stress or excitement can interfere with sleeping patterns. Food additives and caffeine can also make falling asleep difficult.
Each type of sleep disorder has its own particular symptoms, but each results in some form of sleep deprivation. Symptoms You should wake up refreshed in the morning without the use of an alarm clock and feel energetic all day. Other symptoms could include insomnia, excessive snoring, choking sensations while asleep, nightmares and excessive use of sleeping pills. Exhaustion, fatigue and lack of physical energy are common sleep deprivation symptoms. These symptoms affect our emotional moods, causing pessimism, sadness, stress and anger.
According to Dr. William Dement, of the Stanford Sleep Center, anyone who snores and has daytime drowsiness should be evaluated for sleep disorders. If back pain or another form of chronic pain is present, both the pain and the sleep problems should be treated simultaneously. Treatment: Treatments for sleep disorders generally can be grouped into three categories: 1) behavioral/ psychotherapeutic treatments, 2) medications, and 3) other somatic treatments. The treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis, medical and psychiatric history. In general, medications and somatic treatments provide more rapid relief from sleep disturbances.
But research suggests that behavioral treatment of insomnia may create more long lasting results... A sleep diary can be used to help diagnose, and measure improvements in sleep disorders. Some of the tests commonly used to diagnose sleep disorders are: Epworth Sleepiness Scale A questionnaire in which you are asked to rank the situations that make you sleepy and how sleepy. Nocturnal polysomnogram - This test measures the electrical activity of your brain (electroencephalogram) and heart (electrocardiogram), and the movement of your muscles (electromyogram) and eyes (electro-oculogram). Daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) - This test measures how long it takes for you to fall asleep during the day, plus the kind of sleep you get during such a nap. Sleep specialists analyze your brain waves (EEG), heart rate (EKG), muscle activity, and eye movements.
Repeated test of sustained wakefulness (RTSW) - This test measures the time taken to fall asleep in a situation that challenges you to stay awake. Conclusion: To overcome sleep disorders and have a good sleep; follow a routine that includes regular exercise, avoid caffeine and alcohol; eliminate stress and depression and monitor the drugs you take so that they do not affect your sleep patterns. Bibliography: web - web sleep disorders. about.
com/ web - Sleep Disorders and Problems: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment, Heather Larson with contributions from Tina de Benedictis, Ph. D. , Gina Kemp, M. A. , and Robert Segal, M. A. Last modified on: 1 / 26 / 07. web en.
wikipedia. org / wiki /Sleep disorder - 17: 38, 1 May 2007 Outline What are sleep disorders? Types of sleep disorders Common causes of sleep disorders Symptoms Treatment
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