Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can be Obstructive (partial to total blockage of the airway), Central (the brain does not send the signal to breathe), or Mixed (may start out as central and then become obstructive). Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. Treatment varies depending on the type of apnea present. The most widely prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).

Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to initiate or maintain sleep. It generally is a very complex disorder to manage and treat. Insomnia patients may appear, and often are depressed. Poor "sleep hygiene" habits may exacerbate the condition.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that usually displays symptoms in the patient in early adulthood. It has been described as the "intrusion of sleep into wakefulness", meaning the patient has uncontrolled "sleep attacks."

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Shift workers experience excessive daytime sleepiness due to their swing shifting from day to night. Better sleep hygiene can help reduce the effects of this disorder. Other sleep disorders should also be ruled out.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

PLMD is the periodic jerking of either of the legs, arms or both. Individuals with this disorder experience daytime sleepiness because of "micro arousals" or awakenings associated with these movements.

Sleep Walking and Sleep Talking

Walking and talking during sleep is usually not dangerous. However, when sleep walkers venture outside their bedrooms or homes, the chances of accidents occurring to the sleepwalker (and in some cases to others by the sleepwalker) become significant. Medical attention and treatment should be sought.

Nocturnal Seizures

Individuals who experience nocturnal seizures may have episodes during sleep where they bite their tongue, lose control of their bladder or have rhythmic jerking of their extremities. Performing an all night sleep study with EEG, along with other physiological data, helps diagnose this disorder.