June 18 2009

Sleep Disorders – Types of Sleep Disorders

Sleep Disorders - Types of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are a highly common medical issue that affects millions of Americans each year. While some people suffer from mild sleeping problems, such as the occasional nightmare, others have extremely severe sleep disorders that can negatively affect their health if left untreated.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for feeling refreshed and alert during the day Did you know that the average adult needs eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night in order to maintain optimal mental and physical health? Unfortunately, not everyone is able to get the restorative eight hours they need. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, over 40 million Americans a year will suffer from some sort or sleep disorder – many whom will go undiagnosed, or turn to over-the-counter sleep aids for relief. However, ignoring the underlying causes, or covering the symptoms with drugs usually makes the problem worse.

The disorder affects mostly people who are middle-aged or older and strikes once they settle down for the night, forcing them to get up and walk to relieve the discomfo9rt, sometimes for as long as two hours. In some people, the sensation moves from itching, burning and discomfort to outright pain.

Types of Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where the person will stop breathing, or the breathing becomes very shallow. This disorder can be life threatening. With sleep apnea, the pause in breathing can be anywhere from 10 – 20 seconds or longer and can occur anywhere from 20 – 30 times in an hour. There are actually three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central & mixed.

Disturbed Sleep: Sleep apnea is interrupted breathing during sleep. It usually occurs because of a mechanical problem in the windpipe, but it also can indicate a neurological disorder involving nerve cells (neurons). As people age, muscle tone relaxes, which may cause the windpipe to collapse. This condition, called obstructive sleep apnea, results in loud snoring and blocked air flow through the windpipe that lasts from 10 to 60 seconds. It may appear that the person is gasping or snorting.

Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a sleeping disorder where a person will have trouble staying awake. When someone has narcolepsy, they will just suddenly fall asleep – in the middle of whatever they are doing. This is a very dangerous sleep disorder to have – for the person with the problem and for others around them. People with narcolepsy will have sleep attacks even after getting a full night’s sleep. They will fall asleep while driving, walking, cooking, etc.

Skipping meals during the day could cause insomnia. Researchers found that people who skip meals are more likely to have night eating syndrome.these people wake up in the middle of the night, without realizing it, and eat 25% or more of their calories. This is similar to sleepwalking, but with eating added in.

Pets and outdoor animals are the biggest offenders of causing a poor nights sleep. A dog that barks all night long can interrupt anyone’s sleep. For the person with a sleeping disorder it means remaining awake for the rest of the night. It is recommended that you keep all of your windows closed to ensure the best you get as much sleep as possible.

Hpynic jerks can also cause sleeplessness. Cramps or twitchy limbs can cause the sufferer to repeatedly awaken during the night. Hypnic jerks or restless legs syndrome (RLS) may ease when the sufferer is less tense, usually in the early hours.

Watch the video related to sleep disorder

Narcolepsy treatments can fluctuate due to variations in individual symptoms. Learn more about narcolepsy and treatment options from our medical expert in this free video. Expert: Taylor Smith Bio: Taylor Smith, CMA, is a multifaceted Certified Medical Assistant. Filmmaker: Doug Craig

Help answer the question about sleep disorder

does anyone have shift work sleep disorder?
i read in a prescribing book that there is such a thing as shift work sleep disorder. I'm wondering if it's true and what they actually prescribe as drugs for it. If anyone has this let me know what your symptoms were and what they put you on. I seriously think i have this.

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18 Responses to “Sleep Disorders – Types of Sleep Disorders”

  1. MrSymposier says:

    It is very alarming to know about this sleeping problems of the American people. I think they are not just the ones experiencing this but all walks in life. This sleeping disorder problems are being discussed thoroughly in the coming 3rd WASM World Congress focusing on sleeping health and disorders. You can visit Symposier site for more updates and details regarding the congress. See you!

  2. MrSymposier says:

    It is very alarming that most Americans are experiencing problems on sleeping. I think they are not just the ones who are experiencing this, especially those busy people are

  3. lil' miss fashionista says:

    Being chronically sleep deprived has a detrimental effect on a person' health and cognitive abilities. A few of the better known sleep disorders are Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Narcolepsy, Nocturnal Periodic Limb Movement. Chronic pain can interfere with sleep, as can GERD and assorted other chronic conditions. Insomnia or trouble sleeping is a common side effect of dementia.

    People may wake up with dry mouth / throat, scratchy throat, a headache, feeling groggy, or even out of sorts. Bedding may be disarrayed in morning or bed partner may complain of their partner was restless.

    Narcolepsy can cause Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy and other problems.

  4. Jorge's Mommy *te amo pio* says:
  5. maovaj says:

    yes u should definetely check it out
    it could be just an irregular sleeping patterns
    but if it goes over a week or a month
    then check it at a doctor
    or i advice looking it up online to checking out books..
    there should be more symptoms
    sleeping disorders is one of the hardest thing
    to identify so take it seriously

  6. roadhog says:

    the "lack of having a Snoozester account" disorder!

  7. JNJhealth says:

    As always, we advise you to consult your health care professional for any medical advice or diagnosis.
    Rob
    jnjhealth

  8. nonon19451 says:

    Mix very basic medical information and biased advertising and you get this.

    A more intelligent way to handle any medical problem would be to consult a decent doctor/ psychiatrist and read as much independent scientific information on your problems as necessary too fully understand them.

  9. Cris O says:

    Hypnogogic hallucination. Not really a disorder, commonly seen in normal individuals, not ego dystonic, not usually remembered. Not treated.

  10. animalcrackers31 says:

    I have had M.E. for 10 years and it took 4 years to diagnose. The symptoms and diagnosis are similar to how my condition started out. Have you been tested for apnoea? That is another one it could be. I suggest that you look for a specialized sleep clinic in your area (from your G.P. or by yourself). The symptoms that you have could be linked to a variety of conditions- find a sleep clinic and get more tests. It doesn't sound like narcolepsy to me (I'm not a doctor but have had to do my own investigating of my illness). Allergies can cause some of those symptoms and so can depression itself.

    Anyway, a sleep clinic can test you there or send you home with some cool stuff that you hook yourself up to before you sleep. Ask your G.P. for a referal to a specialized sleep clinic.

  11. zorro says:

    I have insomnia. I've had it ever since I was in college.

  12. Ya Ya says:

    yes, there is; try reading this:
    http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/relatedproblems/a/diadeap.htm

  13. blakebellamy82 says:

    I have a disorder,I sat up for days at a time.

  14. Dosalt says:

    until now I didnt realise that I have a sleeping disorder

  15. ♥Blessed♥ Ps118:8 Rom3:4 Act5:29 says:

    Hi

    It is very possible that he was sleep walking, but he may also be out of it or just a disgusting individual.

    Go upstairs and speak to him

    Hope this helps

    xx

  16. Ers says:

    dont know if theres a name for it but it sounds like your sleep pattern is just backwards.stay up as much as possible during the day and go to bed at night.dont nap or anything and your body will fall asleep at night and you can get back on track

  17. maovaj says:

    yeah it could me narcolepsy, excessive daytime sleepiness, or/ and hypersomnia..
    but u should definitely check it out
    if it cause u to have mood swings,
    lose motivations etc
    an overnight or more test
    will be able to determine exactly what it is
    since there are so many sleeping disorders
    i believe about 100 or more..

  18. maovaj says:

    yes i think thats one too thats under a certain type of sleeping disorders
    i cant remember exactly but it can be one
    look it up and check out the symtoms.

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