Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea
There are several different types of sleep apnea. The word “apnea” means “without breath.”
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of all the apneas. Obstructive apnea is a blockage of or in the airway. The muscles that stiffen and open the throat tend to relax during sleep. This relaxation leads to slight narrowing of the throat that doesn’t cause a problem in most people. In people with OSA, this narrowing of the airway is so great that breathing becomes difficult. When this occurs, the brain signals the respiratory muscles to increase effort, which forces the airway open. A snorting sound may occur at this time. With each apneic event, the brain briefly disturbs sleep in order for them to resume breathing. This results in daytime sleepiness.
Untreated, sleep apnea can cause:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Memory Loss
- Impotency
- Headaches
- Day Time Sleepiness
Untreated sleep apnea can be associated with motor vehicle crashes and can even affect your ability to perform your job.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). People who suffer from narcolepsy experience extreme tiredness, perhaps even falling asleep during the day at inappropriate times, such as at work or in school. A narcoleptic person will usually experience disturbed sleep at night, which is often mistaken for insomnia.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
PLMD is a sleep disorder where the patient moves his/her limbs involuntarily during sleep, and has symptoms or problems related to the movement. Periodic limb movements are usually leg jerks that occur while you sleep. The person experiencing these is rarely aware of them, but a bed partner often is. This disorder can lead to tiredness during the day because it disrupts your sleep at night.
