HEAL TH
• Do you frequently feel sleepy no matter how much sleep you get?
• Do you snore? traffic lights?
• Has someone told you that you stop breathing and/or gasp at night while you sleep?
• Do you have a headache when you awaken?
• Do you wake up and have trouble going back to sleep?
• Do your legs and/or arms jerk frequently during the night?
such as laughter, anger, etc.
Sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is one of the most common types of sleep disorders seen in the physician’s office. Loud snoring associated with choking or gasping at night and excessive daytime sleepiness are two main symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome. However, not all patients with sleep apnea report daytime sleepiness. Difficulty getting to sleep or maintaining sleep may be the presenting complaint. Sleep Apnea is a common problem, as prevalent as Diabetes or Asthma in some studies. This disorder can befall anyone, at any age, but is more often found in those who are overweight. Obstructive apnea is caused by a temporary blockage in the throat that prevents air from passing into the lungs. People with sleep apnea may awaken as frequently as once a minute, but they often have no memory of this the next morning. These sleep disruptions can have a significant physical effect including disabling daytime sleepiness or high blood pressure.
Other common sleep disorders include: Insomnia
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Insomnia can be a primary disorder or be secondary to another medical condition such as sleep apnea or depression. Treatment often focuses on treating the primary condition in addition to behavior modification. Medications are sometimes used as well.
The House & Home Magazine
• Do you feel like it takes too long for you to fall asleep?
• Do you have a sudden loss of muscle tone with a strong emotional stimulus
• Do you fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as in a meeting or at
Narcolepsy People with narcolepsy have periods
of extreme sleepiness and irresistible urges to nap. Symptoms often begin early in life. Although excessive daytime sleepiness is the principle symptom of narcolepsy, another is cataplexy. Cataplexy is sudden muscle weakness that occurs during strong emotional feelings and is a specific sign of narcolepsy.
Restless Leg Syndrome People may experience either insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness as a result of Restless Leg Syndrome. This disorder involves frequent involuntary leg or arm movements during sleep. Limb movements may occur hundreds of times at night and disrupt sleep. While awake, patients may experience a need to shake or move their legs around.
Sleep studies such as the Polyomnogram can help determine the type of sleep disorder a patient has and therefore the best course of treatment. A Polymnogram takes place in a private bedroom much like a hotel room. The technologist applies several monitoring devices that record brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, muscle, leg movements and oxygen saturations. The technologist works closely with the patient to ensure the best night sleep possible. Once the
sleep study is complete, a physician analyzes the data and recommends treatment.
Treatment options vary depending on the condition and may include:
Behavior changes: For some people
who have very mild cases of sleep apnea, losing weight, adjusting sleep position, and avoiding alcohol may resolve your sleep disorder. For patients with insomnia, behavioral modifications such as adjusting bedtime routines are often helpful.
Medications: Sleeping pills and sedatives can be dangerous for people with sleep apnea. There are no medications that can treat sleep apnea. Medications
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