Common Sleep Disorders


	Common Sleep Disorders Insomnia - The inability to fall asleep or remain asleep. This disorder can be caused by a variety of psychological and physiological conditions including apnea, tension or the misuse of sleeping pills. Restless leg syndrome - A condition of extreme restlessness or deep crawling sensations in the legs while trying to sleep. Nocturnal myoclonus - A disorder in which sleep is interrupted by repeated twitches in the arms and legs. Sleep apnea - A condition in which breathing stops many times a night for periods of up to two minutes. Apnea is often characterized by loud snoring, sudden or frequent awakenings and excessive daytime sleepiness. People with this disorder are often unaware that they have it. Snoring - While this is often more of a nuisance, frequent or loud snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. Narcolepsy - A disorder that causes a person to fall asleep suddenly, often at inappropriate times. Some narcoleptics also experience a sudden loss of muscle tone, causing them to fall. Sleep Walking - Sequences of complex behaviors that may cause a person to get out of bed and walk about without being fully conscious. For a good night's rest: Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Follow relaxing nighttime rituals such as taking a bath, reading a book or listening to music or nature tapes. Exercise early in the day, every day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine at bedtime. Do not bring your work into the bedroom. Desks full of unfinished work are not conducive to sleep, and worrying about work at bedtime will not solve any problems. Keep your body clock running smoothly by eating, sleeping, napping and exercising at the same time each day whenever possible. Use sleeping pills very conservatively and never drink alcohol after taking a sleeping pill. Back to Diagnostic Sleep Labs