Download COMMON SLEEP CONDITIONS

COMMON SLEEP CONDITIONS
A sleep disorder is a disruptive pattern of sleep that may
include difficulty falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at
inappropriate times, excessive total sleep time, or abnormal
behaviors associated with sleep. More than 100 different
disorders of sleeping and waking have been identified, and
can be grouped within four main categories: problems with
staying and falling asleep, problems with staying awake,
problems with adhering to a regular sleep schedule, and sleep
disruptive behaviors.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Like insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness is a symptom
rather than a disorder. Some of the underlying causes
of daytime sleepiness include:
•
Obstructive sleep apnea
•
Narcolepsy
•
Limb movement
disorders
•
Irregular sleep habits
•
Medications such as
antihistamines,
antianxiety medications,
and antidepressants
The number one cause of excessive daytime sleepiness is
simply not getting enough time in bed at night. The average
adult needs between 7 – 9 hours of sleep in order to be rested
and functioning well during the day. Excessive daytime
sleepiness is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents. Every
year, approximately 2,000 Americans die as a result of
accidents caused by someone falling asleep at the wheel.
Sleep deprivation produces impairment similar to alcohol
intoxication.
Insomnia
Insomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining
sleep and can be a symptom of many other sleep disorders
such as obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.
Insomnia can also be caused by other medical disorders such
as depression, anxiety, chronic pain conditions, and even lung
disease. Some people have chronic or persistent insomnia
and, as a result, develop behavior patterns that make the
insomnia even worse.
People with insomnia often experience:
•Difficulty falling asleep
•Waking in the middle of the night and having
difficulty getting back to sleep
•Anxiety in the evening
•Irritability
•Daytime fatigue
When the underlying cause of the insomnia is discovered and
treated, the insomnia usually resolves. If insomnia is not
diagnosed and treated appropriately or promptly, it can lead to
alcohol or drug abuse, depression, chronic fatigue, and poor
sleep habits.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a brain disorder causing severe sleepiness. The
age at which symptoms begin is usually middle childhood to
adolescence, but the condition often is not diagnosed until
young adulthood. People with narcolepsy may (but do not
always) have other symptoms such as:
•Cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness when
experiencing a strong emotion such as anger
or laughter)
•Hallucinations at sleep onset
•Sleep attacks
•Sleep paralysis (a frightening feeling prior to
sleep onset in which the person is wide awake
but not able to move)
There are currently rapid advancements in understanding the
underlying cause of narcolepsy, which hopefully will soon
lead to a cure. Currently there is no cure for narcolepsy, but
the symptoms can be managed with medication. Testing for
narcolepsy usually requires an all-night sleep test and a series
of naps during the day.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
It is estimated that as many as 18 million Americans suffer
from obstructive sleep apnea. Often times, it is a spouse or
significant other who is the first to suspect that something is
wrong. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
•Loud snoring
•Pauses in breathing
•Awakening with a choking sensation or
shortness of breath
•Feeling unrefreshed in the morning
The frequent interruption of deep, restorative sleep often leads
to excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, and irritability.
Children with obstructive sleep apnea often have behavior
problems, learning difficulties, and hyperactivity.
Consequences of untreated sleep apnea are accidents related
to drowsiness, poor job or school performance, depression,
memory loss, and sexual dysfunction. Fifty percent of
patients with sleep apnea also suffer from high blood
pressure. There are a variety of treatments for sleep apnea.
The treatment recommendation depends upon the severity of
the sleep apnea, findings from the physical exam, and other
aspects of the medical history.
Restless Legs Syndrome & Periodic Limb
Movement Disorder
These are two related conditions that are characterized by
abnormal movements of the legs and/or arms.
People with restless legs often experience:
•A creeping, crawling, or tingling sensation in
the legs
•Difficulty getting to sleep at night
•Irresistible urge to move the legs when
watching television, riding in a car, or sitting
quietly (especially in the evening)
The discomfort is often relieved by walking, moving, or
becoming mentally alert and absorbed in an activity. In
periodic limb movement disorder, the legs and/or arms twitch
or jerk at a regular rate (approximately 2-3 times per minute)
during sleep. The movements are most frequent during the
first half of the night. Some of these movements are
associated with sleep disruption. Restless legs syndrome and
periodic limb movement disorder can be caused by iron
deficiency, kidney failure, and diabetes but can also be a
primary disorder. Treatment is usually with medication.