obstructive_sleep

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The word “apnea” literally means “without breath.” Apnea is defined as a cessation of breath that lasts at least ten seconds. Obstructive apneas occur when the muscles in the back of the throat are not able to keep the throat open, despite efforts to breathe. This causes blockages in the airway and breathing interruptions, or apneas. Obstructive apneas can result in two problems: fragmented sleep and lowered levels of oxygen in the blood. The combination of sleep disturbance and oxygen starvation can result in multiple problems, including automobile accidents, hypertension, heart disease, and mood and memory problems. Sleep apnea can be life-threatening and you should consult your doctor immediately if you feel you may suffer from it.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. The main features of narcolepsy are excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. The disease is also often associated with sudden sleep attacks, insomnia, dream-like hallucinations, and a condition called sleep paralysis.

Insomnia
Insomnia, which is Latin for “no sleep,” is the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep. Insomnia is also used to describe the condition of waking up not feeling restored or refreshed. Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint among Americans. It can be either acute, lasting one to several nights, or chronic, lasting months to years. When insomnia persists for longer than a month, it is considered chronic. According to the National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health, about 30 to 40 percent of adults say they have some symptoms of insomnia within a given year, and about 10 to 15 percent of adults say they have chronic insomnia.

Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic sensorimotor disorder that is characterized by
an overwhelming urge to move the legs when they are at rest. The urge to move the legs is
usually, but not always, accompanied by unpleasant sensations. It is less common but
possible to have RLS symptoms in the arms, face, torso, and genital region. RLS
symptoms occur during inactivity and they are temporarily relieved by movement or pressure.
Symptoms of RLS are most severe in the evening and nighttime hours and can profoundly
disrupt a patient’s sleep and daily life.

Parasomnias
Sleep walking or talking, teeth grinding, night terrors, and REM sleep behavior disorder
are among the various forms of parasomnias.

Sleep Test