| Common Sleep Disorders |
Sleep Disorders make it hard for people to sleep soundly at night, or to stay awake during the day.
Common Sleep disorders include:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring
- Chronic Insomnia
- Restless leg Syndrome
- Narcolepsy
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| Obstructive Sleep Apnea |
| Not all snoring is a normal, annoying occurrence. Snoring indicates that the airway is not fully open and it could be a symptom of a serious sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). Sleep apnea may contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness and may trigger high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. Fortunately, sleep specialists are now able to detect and diagnose breathing disorders and treat them in ways that may prevent these complications. |
| Chronic Insomnia |
| Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep. It can begin with an emotional situation, but then an individual is unable to sleep after the situation has been resolved. Insomnia has many causes such as stress, worry or excitement about an upcoming event, anxiety or even depression. Most of the cases of insomnia can be treated, but many people do not realize that medical help is available. |
| Restless Leg Syndrome |
| People with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) describe very unpleasant "crawling" sensations that occur in their legs when they are sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime. The constant need to stretch or move legs to get rid of the uncomfortable or painful feeling prevents a person with RLS from falling asleep. Often the person is tired throughout the day and unable to carry out his or her responsibilities or to participate in normal activities. Newer medications can help control the symptoms of RLS. |
| Narcolepsy |
| Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder with no known cause. Characteristics include excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness, even after adequate nighttime sleep. Other symptoms may include cataplexy, or a sudden loss of muscle function, or hypnogogic hallucinations, which include vivid, dreamlike experiences that occur while dozing off, and sleep paralysis. Treatment with medications and life-style changes can help narcoleptic patients return to near normal levels of alertness and prevent cataplexy. |
| Sleep Links |
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