About Sleep Disorders
Specific sleep disorders and symptoms occur with growing frequency. About 100 million Americans experience sleep-wake disorders because of shift work, jet lag and similar disruptions of the biological clock. About 70 million have insomnia, 250,000 have narcolepsy and about 20 million have sleep apnea.
Insomnia
Insomnia is not a disease, instead it is a label. It simply means that sleep is poor and not adequate without sawing why The cause of insomnia is usually more complex than the symptoms. The causes can consist of mental or physical disorders such as: stress, depression, pain sleep apnea for restless legs. Behavioral disorders such as: caffeine or alcohol intake, and taking excessive naps in the afternoon or evening can also case insomnia.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic disorder of the nervous system in which patients are unable to overcome the urge to sleep. Some of the symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden episodes of loss of muscle function, sleep paralysis and vivid often frightening dream-like experiences when falling asleep or waking up.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
RLS is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs described as creeping, crawling, pulling or painful sensations. Many people with RLS also have periodic limb movements (PLMS) which is characterized by involuntary jerking movements during sleep. Factors associated with RLS is family history, pregnancy, low iron levels or chronic disease such as kidney failure, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing during sleep because his or her airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs.
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| Normal Breathing • Airway open • Air flows freely to lungs |
Obstructed Breathing • Airway collapses • Blocked air flow |
What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?
Several factors that can contribute to airway collapse are:
- Extra tissue in the back of the throat, such as large tonsils or uvula.
- A decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open.
- Certain jaw or financial structures or attributes, such as a recessed chin.
How many people have OSA?
- 4 in 100 middle-aged men have OSA.
- 2 in 100 middle-aged women have OSA.
- Most OSA suffers remain undiagnosed and untreated
What happens if OSA is not treated?
People who do not seek diagnosis and effective treatment for OSA can be at increased risk for:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
- Heart disease
- Decreased quality of life
