Sleep Disorders
Poor sleep habits are one of the hallmarks of our busy society. We burn the candle at both ends, toss and turn with worries, over-stimulate ourselves with caffeine and late-night television, sleep with the Blackberry under the pillow, and, in short, sabotage our chances of attaining a normal night's sleep. As a result, many of us are living with sleep disorders.
What are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders are conditions that involve any type of difficulty that relates to sleeping. This includes difficulties falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at inappropriate times, excessive total sleep time and abnormal behaviors associated with sleep.
More than 100 different types of sleep disorders have been identified and fall into four main categories:
- Problems with falling and staying asleep
- Problems with staying awake
- Problems with adhering to a regular sleep schedule
- Sleep disruptive behaviors
Common Types of Sleep Disorders
A few of the most common types of sleep disorders are:
- Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome
- Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder
- Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
- Hypersomnia
- Jet Lag
- Narcolepsy
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
- Shift Work Sleep Disorder
- Sleep Apnea
- Insomnia
- Snoring
- Parasomnias
Visit the pages above to learn more about these types of sleeping disorders.
Sleep Disorders in Medical Illnesses
Many medical illnesses are associated with disturbances of sleep. Patients with chronic lung disease may experience low oxygen levels at night that disturb sleep. Patients with asthma may develop wheezing or shortness of breath at night, usually in the early morning hours. Patients with heart failure may develop abnormal breathing at night, which disturbs sleep much in the way that sleep apnea does. Patients with Parkinson's or other neurological diseases may develop disturbed sleep. If you have a medical illness and are experiencing a sleeping disorder, please consult your physician who will determine the best course of treatment for you.
Disclaimer: These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult your physician regarding any sleeping disorders.
