Cpap Answers Forum Sleep Disorder and Sleep Apnea Links

Narcolepsy, disorder marked by sudden and uncontrollable drowsiness and attacks of sleep at unexpected and irregular intervals. The sleep attacks may last minutes or hours and vary in frequency from a few to many in a single day. In the United States narcolepsy affects 250,000 people. Symptoms usually appear in adolescence and the disorder afflicts men and women equally. The cause of narcolepsy is unknown, although genetic may play a role. Some research suggests that narcolepsy may be a type of autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks some part of itself.

In addition to sleep attacks, about 80 percent of narcolepsy cases are accompanied by cataplexy, a loss of muscle control that causes the person to collapse, often following a sudden surge of emotion, such as laughter or rage. More than 60 percent of narcoleptics experience sleep paralysis, an inability to move for one or two minutes even though fully conscious, which can induce an intense feeling of fear. Narcoleptics may also experience hypnagogic hallucinations, usually vivid, emotionally charged, and unpleasant visions, which occur at the onset of sleep or upon awakening.

People unfamiliar with narcoleptic symptoms may label the narcoleptic as lazy or psychologically disturbed, which can have severe consequences for the narcoleptic, including low self-esteem, depression, or social problems. These problems are compounded because the disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone), hypoglycemia (insufficient blood sugar), epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis. A delayed diagnosis typically worsens the narcoleptic’s psychological and social problems, while those who are diagnosed early are able to understand that they have a treatable problem and are better able to cope with the disorder. A correct diagnosis requires monitoring overnight sleep with a sleep study (Polysomnagram).

More than 80 percent of narcoleptic cases can be successfully treated with drugs that reduce symptoms. Doctors typically prescribe stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines. Antidepressant drugs, such as imipramine, are prescribed to suppress cataplexy. Sleep therapy, in which a regimen of strict bedtime and daytime naps are established, may also help some patients have fewer unexpected sleep attacks.

Restless Legs Syndrome is a disorder characterized by uncomfortable and/or disagreeable leg sensations, usually prior to sleep onset, that cause an almost irresistible urge to move the legs.

The only thing that seems to relieve the discomfort is to move the legs, stretching them or getting up and walking around on them. Unfortunately, this interrupts the sleep cycle, so people with RLS are often very tired from lack of sleep.

What Can Be Done to Help RLS Sufferers Sleep? First of all, a sleep study (polysomnogram) is done to determine the cause of sleepiness. Once RLS has been diagnosed, medication can be prescribed to relieve the symptoms.

Insomnia is difficulty in initiating and/or maintaining sleep. It is a term that is used often to indicate any and all stages and types of sleep loss. Insomnia is not a disorder, it is a symptom.

Each case of insomnia is tailored for that particular person's needs. Methods used for treatment include behavioral modification, following good sleep hygiene, sleep practices, light therapy, and occasionally medication is prescribed for a short period of time.

The Parasomnias are disorders that intrude into the sleep process and create disruptive sleep-related events. These behaviors and experiences occur usually while sleeping, and are most often infrequent and mild. They may happen often enough or become so bothersome that medical attention is required.

Arousal disorders are parasomnia disorders presumed to be due to an abnormal arousal mechanism. Forced arousal from sleep can induce episodes. The "classical" arousal disorders are sleepwalking(somnambulism), sleep terrors and confusional arousals. Experts believe the various types of arousal disorders are related and share some characteristics. These arousals occur when a person is in a mixed state of being both asleep and awake, generally coming from the deepest stage of nondreaming sleep. This means a person is awake enough to act out complex behaviors but still asleep and not aware or able to remember these actions.

These disorders tend to run in families and are more common in children. Being over tired, having a fever or taking certain medications may make it worse. Because disorders of arousal are less common in adults, having an evaluation is important. In some cases, these disorders are triggered by other conditions, such as sleep apnea, heartburn, or periodic limb movement during sleep. A sleep specialist should evaluate the person's behaviors and medical history.

If it is a severe case that leads to injury or involves violence, excessive eating, or disturbs the bed partner or family, treatment by a sleep specialist may be necessary. Treatment might involve medical intervention with prescription drugs or behavior modification through hypnosis or relaxation/mental imagery.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea