Sleep Disorder Stats - Top Five Circumstances Caused By Lack Of Sleep
January 9th, 2009

Insomnia:

Insomnia is when you have a hard time going to sleep. You may not sleep for days at a time. It is a relatively common disorder that can affect people of all ages for varying amounts of time. Usually its effects last for only a few nights, but it is possible for the symptoms to continue for months and even years.

Insomnia can be caused by several factors, including psychiatric problems, continual stress, use of drugs or alcohol, a lack of exercise, excessive noise or light, and certain physical illnesses.

If your sleep has been disturbed for more than a few weeks and interferes with your ability to function normally during the day, consult your doctor or make an appointment at a reputable sleep disorder to get some treatment.

Narcolepsy:

Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder that can have a devastating impact on a person's life. There is no known cure for it, but proper treatment can help victims' lead normal lives.

The symptoms of narcolepsy can appear suddenly or slowly. The most common indication is excessive daytime sleepiness, and constant feeling of exhaustion that can cause you to fall asleep suddenly.

Cataplexy, another condition associated with narcolepsy, is characterized by a rapid loss of muscle control, often leading to sudden collapse.

Another symptom of narcolepsy is sleep paralysis, a condition defined by an inability to move or speak despite complete consciousness. A third symptom of narcolepsy involves hypnologic hallucinations, strange dreamlike episodes that are characterized by a lack of physical control and a nightmarish sensation that a prowler or strange animal is present. These "waking dreams" are especially disturbing because they are often mistaken for mental illness.

Restless leg Syndrome:

People experience restless legs syndrome in many ways, but it is almost always described as an uncomfortable sensation in the legs when sitting or lying still. The pain is usually felt in the calves and sometimes can be temporarily relieved by stretching. The constant need to stretch, however, often leaves the sufferer unable to fall asleep.

A similar disorder can be problematic as well. Periodic limb movement disorder is caused by involuntary movements of the legs and arms. These movements tend to occur when asleep. Many of those who suffer from the disorder are unaware of the movements. Episodes occur at regular intervals, usually every 30 seconds during the beginning phases of sleep. Although it is rare, those who suffer this disorder can be awakened by their involuntary movements, leading to a sensation of excessive drowsiness during waking hours.

Treatment: It is important to determine whether underlying causes, such as anemia, diabetes, arthritis, or lung disease, are responsible for the onset of symptoms. Many of those suffering restless leg syndromes have found relief with hot baths or leg massages. Those suffering periodic limb movement disorder usually sleep right through their symptoms and require little or no treatment

Sleep Apnea:

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that can result in death if not properly treated. The disorder involves the repeated collapse of the windpipe, which causes a sleeper to awaken slightly due to shortness of breath. People who suffer from sleep apnea often experience daytime drowsiness, poor performance at work and depression. One of the most common and most frightening effects is that you literally stop breathing when this happens.

Experts say that sleep apnea occurs when muscles in a person's throat relax excessively during sleep. Once diagnosed, treatment can help prevent or reverse the symptoms. These treatments can include sleep position training, weight loss, exercise, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, using special oral or nasal appliances, or surgery.

Sleep apnea is one of the most dangerous and potentially deadly sleep disorders and should be treated as soon as possible.

Heartburn

Gastro esophageal reflux, or heartburn, as it is commonly called, is characterized by burning chest pain. Another typical symptom is a sensation of food coming back into the mouth with a bitter, acidic taste. This disorder can also be accompanied by asthmatic breathing, coughing and hoarseness. Occasionally, gastro esophageal reflux can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, and is often mistaken for one. This disorder is caused by acid "backing up" into the esophagus during sleep. This is easily treatable with medication

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