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What are sleep disorders?
Good quality sleep is a habit. If you make the changes above, don’t expect changes in your sleep pattern to occur overnight, give it time. And be forgiving of yourself. Nothing prevents a good nights sleep more than the increased sense of annoyance at not being able to go to sleep. So quit trying, get up and do something relaxing. Signs & Symptoms for sleep disorders
1. Sleep Apnea
Effects of sleep deprivation: Although scientists are still trying to learn exactly why people need sleep, animal studies show that sleep is necessary for survival. For example, while rats normally live for two to three years, those deprived of REM sleep survive only about 5 weeks on average, and rats deprived of all sleep stages live only about 3 weeks. Sleep-deprived rats also develop abnormally low body temperatures and sores on their tail and paws. The sores may develop because the rats’ immune systems become impaired. Some studies suggest that sleep deprivation affects the immune system in detrimental ways. Sleep appears necessary for our nervous systems to work properly. Too little sleep leaves us drowsy and unable to concentrate the next day. It also leads to impaired memory and physical performance and reduced ability to carry out math calculations. If sleep deprivation continues, hallucinations and mood swings may develop. Some experts believe sleep gives neurons used while we are awake a chance to shut down and repair themselves. Without sleep, neurons may become so depleted in energy or so polluted with byproducts of normal cellular activities that they begin to malfunction. Sleep also may give the brain a chance to exercise important neuronal connections that might otherwise deteriorate from lack of activity. Deep sleep coincides with the release of growth hormone in children and young adults. Many of the body’s cells also show increased production and reduced breakdown of proteins during deep sleep. Since proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for repair of damage from factors like stress and ultraviolet rays, deep sleep may truly be "beauty sleep." Activity in parts of the brain that control emotions, decision-making processes, and social interactions is drastically reduced during deep sleep, suggesting that this type of sleep may help people maintain optimal emotional and social functioning while they are awake. A study in rats also showed that certain nerve-signaling patterns which the rats generated during the day were repeated during deep sleep. This pattern repetition may help encode memories and improve learning. Sleep disorders are common. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 50 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder at some time in their lives. These disorders have a significant impact on the daytime functioning, quality of life, and health of the sufferer. For example, research data have shown that people with insomnia report more problems with attention, concentration, and memory than healthy individuals; and they are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. Those who suffer from sleep apnea, a sleep-related breathing disorder, are at greater risk for high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), stroke, and death. The significant health consequences of sleep disorders have led experts to agree that these problems warrant medical attention. There are more than 80 different sleep disorders identified by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders. Some are rare, some quite common, and all can present significant distress, daytime impairment, or health consequences for those who suffer from them. Evaluation and treatment hold the keys to finding relief.
Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that is far more common than generally understood, thought to affect between 2 and 4 percent of the adult population. First described in 1965, sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. It owes its name to a Greek word, apnea, meaning “want of breath.” There are two types of sleep apnea: central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea, which is less common, occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles to initiate respirations. Obstructive sleep apnea is far more common and occurs when air cannot flow into or out of the person’s nose or mouth although efforts to breathe continue. Other, milder respiratory events during sleep known as “hypopneas” are defined as periods lasting 10 seconds or longer during which breathing is significantly reduced. Sleep apnea is characterized by multiple respiratory pauses during sleep. These pauses, or “apneas,” are defined as periods of 10 seconds or longer during which the sleeper stops breathing altogether. In a given night, the number of involuntary breathing pauses or “apneic events” may be as high as 20 to 60 or more per hour. Most people with sleep apnea will have periods of abnormal breathing that last between 30 and 40 seconds more than 400 times per night. So the average person with sleep apnea spends more than 3 hours a night when he’s not breathing normally – or not breathing at all! These breathing pauses are almost always accompanied by snoring between apnea episodes, although not everyone who snores has this condition. Sleep apnea can also be characterized by choking sensations. The frequent interruptions of deep, restorative sleep often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and may be associated with an early morning headache. Early recognition and treatment of sleep apnea is important because it may be associated with irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes but is more common in men (it may be under-diagnosed in women) those over 40, and those who are overweight and possibly young African Americans. It has been estimated that as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Four percent of middle-aged men and 2 percent of middle-aged women have sleep apnea along with excessive daytime sleepiness. People most likely to have or develop sleep apnea include those who snore loudly and also are overweight, or have high blood pressure, or have some physical abnormality in the nose, throat, or other parts of the upper airway. Sleep apnea seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis. Certain mechanical and structural problems in the airway cause the interruptions in breathing during sleep. In some people, apnea occurs when the throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep and partially block the opening of the airway. When the muscles of the soft palate at the base of the tongue and the uvula (the small fleshy tissue hanging from the center of the back of the throat) relax and sag, the airway becomes blocked, making breathing labored and noisy and even stopping it altogether. Sleep apnea also can occur in obese people when an excess amount of tissue in the airway causes it to be narrowed. With a narrowed airway, the person continues his or her efforts to breathe, but air cannot easily flow into or out of the nose or mouth. Unknown to the person, this results in heavy snoring, periods of no breathing, and frequent arousals (causing abrupt changes from deep sleep to light sleep). Ingestion of alcohol and sleeping pills increases the frequency and duration of breathing pauses in people with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea refers to a breathing problem that can occur during sleep. In sleep, the muscles in the pharynx (the back of the throat) relax, allowing it to constrict. This partial collapse of the pharynx can sometimes lead to inadequate airflow. The body senses poor airflow and takes a deep breath, which leads to an arousal. These deep breaths and consequent arousals can occur 50-100 times an hour, severely disrupting sleep. Sleep Apnea is diagnosed by an overnight study of sleep and breathing patterns called a polysomnogram. While there are many treatments for sleep apnea, the most common utilizes a nasal CPAP – a machine that blows pressurized air in through the nose, helping people with this condition get adequate airflow to the lungs, allowing them to sleep well and feel refreshed. People with sleep apnea report a number of symptoms that they often fail to report as problems, and thus miss detection by healthcare professionals. (A spouse or bed partner often provides helpful information about the sleep and daytime functioning of the sufferer.) Symptoms of sleep apnea include: • Loud snoring It is important to note that many people over the age of 70 may have sleep apnea without snoring. Click here to read more: Sleep Apnea sleep disorder and its treatments.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is not often discussed, but is actually fairly common, occurring in 10-15% of the population. People with RLS complain of a discomfort in the legs (rarely the arms or chest) that is relieved only by walking. The feeling is often described as ants crawling on the skin. This uncomfortable sensation only occurs when a person is not moving (either sitting still or lying down) and is always worse at night. Generally, people afflicted with RLS also notice that they unconsciously move their legs as well. Sometimes they describe their legs as jumping on their own, or they notice that while sitting, they are constantly jiggling them. Since RLS occurs mostly at night while the body is at rest and is relieved by movement, falling asleep and staying asleep can become very difficult. Even when RLS sufferers manage to fall asleep, they have frequent jerking of the limbs called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). Many elderly people develop PLMS – 34% of those over age 60 – even people who do not suffer from RLS and who have no other sleep complaints. The number of people who have the symptoms of RLS increases with age, and some people who had mild symptoms when they were younger may find that the symptoms get much worse as they age. There are many different medications available to treat both RLS and PLMS. These include medications that are usually used for Parkinson's disease, pain control and seizure disorders. It is important never to treat yourself for this condition, but instead to see a doctor with special knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of RLS. If you have restless legs syndrome (RLS), you may recognize these symptoms: An urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, usually described as a creeping or crawling feeling, but sometimes as a tingling, cramping, burning or just plain pain. Some patients have no definite sensation, except for the need to move. (The arms may also be affected, but that's much less common.) The need to move the legs to relieve the discomfort, by stretching or bending, rubbing the legs, tossing or turning in bed, or getting up and pacing the floor. Moving usually offers some temporary relief of symptoms. A definite worsening of the discomfort when lying down, especially when you're trying to fall asleep at night, or during other forms of inactivity, including just sitting. A tendency to experience the most discomfort late in the day and at night. Sleep disturbances are common with RLS and are a major effect. The sleep disturbances can range from mild to severe, but sleep problems are often the reason that people suffering from RLS seek a doctor's help. If leg twitching or jerking is also present, a related disorder called periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) may be the cause. With PLMS, the leg movements may be severe enough to awaken you. In RLS, PLMS-like symptoms can sometimes occur during wakefulness, as well as in sleep. According to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, "restless legs syndrome is a common, under diagnosed, and treatable condition." Recent research suggests it affects about 10% of adults in North America and Europe with rates increasing with age. Lower prevalence has been found in India, Japan and Singapore, indicating that racial or ethnic factors are associated with RLS. The cause of RLS is still unknown, but the symptoms tend to worsen over the years and become more severe in middle-to-old age. The fact that it occurs three to five times more frequently in first-degree relatives of people with RLS than in people without RLS suggests that heredity may be involved. Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen RLS symptoms. Some cases of RLS are associated with iron deficiency anemia or nerve damage in the legs due to diabetes, kidney problems, alcoholism and Parkinson's disease. Stress, diet or other environmental factors may play a role for some people. All of these cases are said to be secondary RLS. If there is no family history of RLS and no associated condition causing the disorder, RLS is said to be idiopathic, meaning without a known cause. Because RLS patients were found to respond positively to treatment with levodopa, scientists have been investigating whether RLS is caused by dopamine deficiency. Dopamine is a chemical found naturally in the central nervous system where it largely functions as a neurotransmitter. RLS can begin at any age and many individuals with RLS can trace their symptoms back to childhood, when their symptoms may have been called "growing pains" or attributed to hyperactivity because they had difficulty sitting quietly
The symptoms of RLS can range anywhere from bothersome to incapacitating. Fluctuations in severity are common, and occasionally the symptoms may disappear for periods of time. Anxiety as bedtime approaches, frustration with nighttime awakenings, moodiness and depression, difficulty concentrating and excessive daytime sleepiness have all been reported in association with RLS. It also can affect marital, family and social relations as well as having an adverse effect on school, work or other activities. Another effect can be increased drowsiness while driving or great difficulty performing overnight shift work. The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group has established the following clinical criteria for diagnosis of RLS: • A compelling urge to move the limbs.
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REM behavior disorder (RBD) occurs when someone acts out a dream in his or her sleep. Usually when you dream, your muscle tone is decreased – you are, in fact, partially paralyzed. In rare instances, some people do not have a decrease in their muscle tone and begin to act out their dreams. In addition, the dreams frequently become more violent than normal, and are often described as nightmares. The classic situation is one in which someone wakes up punching a pillow and remembers dreaming he was in a fight. RBD is very rare, occurring most frequently in older men. Common causes of RBD include the use of certain medications (especially anti-depressants such as Prozac and Paxil) and withdrawal from certain sedatives (such as alcohol). RBD can also be associated with Parkinson's Disease, narcolepsy, and certain other neurologic diseases (e.g. rare brain degeneration disorders, strokes in certain areas of the brain). Usually, however, the cause is a mystery. Fortunately, there is effective medication for this problem.
There is no medical test that can tell us conclusively whether a person has insomnia. Sometimes, sleep tests can be normal in the face of severe sleep complaints Simply stated, insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, the tendency to awaken early in the morning, or the sense of light and un-refreshing sleep. Insomnia is simply an impression that the sufferer has regarding the quantity or quality of his sleep. Insomnia is a common malady. Half of the adult population has it over the course of a year; 35% experience insomnia on an occasional basis;12% on an ongoing basis. It is not surprising that sleep difficulties are also among the most frequently encountered problems in clinical medicine. Insomnia affects all ages, yet increases in prevalence with age. Women are twice as likely to have it compared to men. It is seen in all cultures and races. Physicians often overlook the misery and debilitation associated with insomnia. Additionally, only 5% of all insomniacs approach their physicians specifically for insomnia as a primary complaint. Recent studies have shown, however, that insomnia can have profound negative effects on health and well being. Insomniacs report difficulties with memory and task completion, are often irritable, and have greater difficulty staying awake during daytime tasks than non-insomniacs. Inadequate sleep is associated with decreased work efficiency. Although the long-term risks of insomnia have not been adequately assessed, there is an emerging sense that unrelenting insomnia can bring on depression and other emotional difficulties. Insomnia has long been assumed to be simply the result of tension or stress. However, key developments over the past four decades have helped tease apart and identify the many physical and emotional disorders that can be responsible for insomnia. The first of these was the discovery that sleep is not a uniform state, but a combination of five separate sleep stages. The second was the technical discovery of "polysomnography," the physiological study of sleep in a laboratory setting, which led to the establishment of the field of sleep disorders medicine. It is now clear that insomnia is not one entity, but can be a symptom of many different types of disorders, each with its own set of treatments. The first step in proper treatment, therefore, is accurate diagnosis. Advice for people first experiencing insomnia If someone's experiencing sleep problems and they find these problems distressing, or if they're associated with any impairment in daytime functioning, that's the time to talk to a doctor. We know that insomnia is associated with a number of significant problems in daytime functioning, in health and so on, so there's no need really to go on with the problem unattended. Talk to a doctor whenever insomnia results in distress or impairment. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or you wake up feeling un-refreshed, you may be suffering from insomnia. Insomnia is a symptom. It may be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, disease, pain, medications, sleep disorders or poor sleep habits. The cause of insomnia has been identified and is best treated with medication. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT: insomnia causes and cures for better sleep every night. Sudden emotional stress, such as a job loss or a hospitalization, can induce transient insomnia. Sudden changes in work shift and travel across time zones can also cause difficulties with sleep. However, these difficulties usually resolve within a brief period of time, typically a few weeks. Many insomniacs, however, unknowingly intensify the effect of, or unnecessarily prolong, these insomnias by engaging in behaviors that make matters worse. Therefore, proper adherence to sleep hygiene rules can be helpful in producing a more rapid resolution to this type of insomnia. Examples of sleep hygiene measures include: • Maintain a regular bedtime schedule. Learn strategies to make bedtime as relaxing and tension-free as possible. In general, no formal medical treatment is necessary for such short-lasting insomnia. In certain cases, however, such as when daytime fatigue begins to interfere with daily activities, seeking medical attention is warranted. Medical treatment is also warranted if the insomnia lasts for more than just a few weeks. Although in many insomnia cases, self-help strategies such as those mentioned above are sufficient in overcoming insomnia rapidly, insomnia can escalate and become chronic. In this case, the causes of insomnia may represent more significant medical or emotional disorders. Therefore, sufferers should seek help if their own strategies do not relieve insomnia within a few weeks. The disorders below are examples of some of the more common chronic insomnia conditions that warrant further medical attention.
Psychophysiologic insomnia can follow a few nights of sleeplessness due to an adjustment sleep disorder. Concern regarding the prospect of facing yet another night of sleeplessness can result in an escalation of tension and anxiety with each successive night. The insomniac begins to dread going to bed and often feels tension increasing as bedtime approaches. He may become preoccupied with insomnia. Sufferers often spend hours in bed awake focused upon and brooding over their sleeplessness. In severe cases, the focus of their thoughts, and even conversations with others, may begin to revolve around insomnia. Curiously, sufferers often have little difficulty falling asleep during the course of the day when their minds are focused on other issues, such as during meetings. They also may experience relief from their own bedrooms as they fall asleep easily when away from home, such as on vacation on in a hotel room. Psychophysiologic insomnia is often managed with a combination of behavioral measures and medications. The most commonly utilized behavioral measures are relaxation training with EMG biofeedback training, psychotherapy (cognitive and insight-oriented), and stimulus control therapy (asking patients to use the bed only for sleep and to not stay in bed trying to sleep for more than ten minutes at a time, but to go into another room and to return to bed only after feeling sleepy). Sleep hygiene measures should be closely adhered to during and after the termination of treatment, regardless of type.
Snoring is a breathing noise that occurs during sleep. It is a common problem among all ages and both genders, and it affects approximately 90 million American adults — 37 million on a regular basis. Persons most at risk are males and those who are overweight, and it usually becomes more serious as people age. Snoring can cause disruptions to your bed partner's sleep and is also associated with cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, headaches and diabetes. While breathing in, the air passage between the upper soft palate, or uvula, and the throat or base of the tongue may open and close. During sleep, the muscles surrounding these structures relax and the air passage may narrow or close — causing a blockage of the airway. Air cannot flow through easily and may need to be drawn between these structures. The tissues then vibrate — resulting in the familiar sound of snoring. Snoring represents abnormal breathing during sleep. The loudness and tone of the noise is affected by how much air is going through the passage. The greater the obstruction, the greater is the effort to draw air and the louder the noise. As it becomes harder to breath and snoring becomes worse, you may actually stop breathing. This is a sign of a serious condition called apnea (meaning "want of breath"), which requires medical attention and may lead to other serious conditions. The National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2002 Sleep in America Poll revealed that 37% of adults report they had snored at least a few nights a week during the previous year.
In fact, 27% said that they snore every night or almost every night. Males were more likely than females to report snoring at least a few nights a week (42% vs. 31%). NSF’s 2003 poll, which focused on older adults between the ages of 55-84, reveals that about one-third of older adults overall (32%) report they had snored at least a few nights a week in the past year, with about four in ten 55-64 year-olds (41%) most likely to have said they snore compared to about one-fourth of 65-74 year-olds (28%) and 75-84 year-olds (22%). Men were significantly more likely than women to report snoring at least a few nights a week (40% vs. 26%). Snoring may occur due to any of a variety of illnesses, from the common cold to sleep apnea. Although snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea, most snorers do not, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea. Obesity and a large neck can contribute to snoring. People who drink alcohol before bedtime may snore more than usual. And snoring is sometimes caused by an illness or a sleep disorder. Risk factors for snoring include: obesity (overweight), hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), and tobacco use. Some people are born with a small or narrow airway, while others have conditions that interfere with normal breathing (such as nasal polyps or deviated septum). In either case, snoring is more likely to occur. Snoring also can arise with sleep deprivation, with common colds or allergies, when sleeping on one’s back, or as a result of the use of alcohol or certain sleeping pills Snoring cures
Simple treatments include weight loss, avoidance of alcohol or sleep aids that relax muscles, treatment of nasal congestion or allergies, or the use of over-the-counter devices such as tape strips that help open your nasal passages. Every spouse of a snorer can tell you that sleeping on your side also reduces the likelihood of snoring. Some people can sleep on their sides at will; others might want to try using an old tennis ball sewn into the center of the back of a T-shirt, which “reminds” the sleeper to roll over whenever he’s on his back. Oral appliances, usually fit by a dentist, may be helpful. Finally, a variety of surgical procedures provided by Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists can provide a long-term solution to the problem of snoring. Snoring actually may be a health concern for some. Medical reports have shown that snoring is associated with high blood pressure and reports of daytime dysfunction. Snoring also may be a “warning sign” of a sleep-related breathing disorder known as “sleep apnea.” Approximately five out of every 100 snorers has sleep apnea, a very serious medical condition that is associated with breathing pauses during sleep (see Sleep Apnea). People with sleep apnea often suffer from debilitating daytime fatigue and sleepiness, and they are at significantly greater risk than others for stroke, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, and death. The treatment plan for a person with sleep apnea is quite different from one for an individual with simple snoring, so medical evaluation and follow-up care is essential. There are many different ways to reduce snoring: • One of the most effective is through weight loss. Reducing your weight will reduce fat deposits in the throat, providing a more spacious airway and usually less snoring. • Another way to reduce snoring is to improve nasal breathing by using a nasal strip that gently opens your nostrils during sleep. Dental appliances that are also available can be prescribed by your dentist or orthodontist. • Sleeping on your side with a pillow is the preferable position to help alleviate snoring. • Two lifestyle changes to consider are avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. Abstaining from alcohol, which relaxes muscles in the airway, at least four hours before bedtime; and abstaining completely from smoking, which is associated with nasal congestion, can help alleviate snoring. • Finally, ask your doctor for recommendations, so he or she can address your specific snoring situation. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT:snoring causes and remedies for peaceful sleep once again.
Pregnancy is an exciting and physically demanding time. Physical symptoms (body aches, nausea, leg cramps, fetus movements and heart-burn), as well as emotional changes (depression, anxiety, worry) can interfere with sleep. In the NSF poll, 78% of women reported more disturbed sleep during pregnancy than at other times although some women have few sleep problems. Sleep related problems also become more prevalent as the pregnancy progresses. One recent study reported that changes in sleep occur in 13-20% of women in the first trimester and increase to 66-90% by the third trimester. In general, nausea can be experienced early whereas general discomfort may disrupt sleep later in the pregnancy. First Trimester (Months 1-3) Overall, women have lower quality of sleep during the last trimester of pregnancy. High levels of progesterone are produced, increasing feelings of sleepiness. Also, the enlarged uterus can press up against the diaphragm, making it more difficult to breathe. The number of times a woman wakes up during the night to urinate increases as well. Disturbed sleep patterns may begin. Interrupted sleep can cause daytime sleepiness. Women tend to sleep more during this time than before they were pregnant, or later in pregnancy. Second Trimester (Months 4-6) During this trimester, the growing fetus reduces pressure on the bladder by moving above it and decreasing the need for frequent bathroom visits. Sleep quality is still worse than it was before pregnancy and many women become restless as they search for a comfortable position. Third Trimester (Months 7-9) Women experience the most pregnancy-related sleep problems at this time although they may sleep longer and nap more by the end of the pregnancy. They may often feel physically uncomfortable. Heartburn, leg cramps and sinus congestion are common reasons for disturbed sleep, as is an increased need to go to the bathroom. (The fetus puts pressure on the bladder again.) One recent study reported, that by the end of pregnancy, 97% of women were waking during the night. Post-Partum As might be expected, mothers of newborn babies experience a lot of sleeplessness and daytime sleepiness, which may contribute to the "postnatal blues" experienced by 75-80% of most new mothers. This is usually a temporary condition, but it can become extremely serious and even put a new mother at risk for suicide. In general, it is treatable with professional help and will improve as the baby develops and establishes regular, nighttime sleep. Snoring and Severe Daytime Sleepiness Pregnant women who have never snored before may begin doing so. About 30% of pregnant women snore because of increased swelling in their nasal passages. This may partially block the airways. Snoring can also lead to high blood pressure, which can put both the mother and fetus at risk. If the blockage is severe, sleep apnea may result, characterized by loud snoring and periods of stopped breathing during sleep. The lack of oxygen disrupts sleep and may affect the unborn fetus. If loud snoring and severe daytime sleepiness (another symptom of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders) occur, consult your physician. Secondary Restless Legs in Pregnancy Up to 15 percent of pregnant women develop Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) during the third trimester. A contributing cause may be iron and/or folate acid deficiency. In general, RLS is more prevalent in women than men. RLS symptoms make it difficult to fall and stay asleep due to an uncontrollable urge to move the legs in response to unpleasant, restless, creepy feelings in the legs. These feelings appear when at rest and often disrupt sleep as well. Moving the legs can stop these symptoms temporarily, but the irritation returns when the limb is still. Fortunately, RLS symptoms usually end after delivery of the baby. Medications used to treat RLS may cause harm to the fetus and should be discussed with a doctor. Sleep Tips for Pregnant Women 1. In the third trimester, sleep on your left side to allow for the best blood flow to the fetus and to your uterus and kidneys. Avoid lying flat on your back for a long period of time. 2. Drink lots of fluids during the day, but cut down before bedtime. 3. To prevent heartburn, do not eat large amounts of spicy, acidic (such as tomato products), or fried foods. If heartburn is a problem, sleep with your head elevated on pillows. 4. Exercise regularly to help you stay healthy, improve your circulation, and reduce leg cramps. 5. Try frequent bland snacks (like crackers) throughout the day. This helps avoid nausea by keeping your stomach full. 6. Special "pregnancy" pillows and mattresses may help you sleep better. Or use regular pillows to support your body. 7. Naps may help. The NSF poll found that 51% of pregnant or recently pregnant women reported at least one weekday nap; 60% reported at least one weekend nap. 8. Learn to relax with relaxation and breathing techniques, which can also help when the contractions begin. A warm bath or shower before bed can be helpful. 9. Talk to your doctor if you develop medical problems and/or insomnia persists. Once her baby is born, a mother's sleep is frequently interrupted, particularly if she is nursing. Mothers who nurse and those with babies that wake frequently during the night should try to nap when their babies do. Sharing baby care to the extent possible, especially during the night, is important for the mother's health, safety, performance and vitality. Check out our site pages for natural herbal remedies as a sleep aid.Note: Although generally safe, clary sage and chamomile oils should be avoided during pregnancy. If in doubt about any essential oils, consult a medical practitioner.
More than one in ten preschool and school-age children talk in their sleep at least a few nights a week (11% and 12% respectively), according to NSF’s 2004 Sleep in America poll What is sleep talking? Has anyone ever accused you of sleep talking? Long ago, people used to think sleep talking had other worldly connotations. Some people were accused of being possessed by the devil or spirits. Some people thought it was a supernatural premonition of some sort. Well, for the most part we know better now, at least most of us do. Sleep talking is the utterance of speech or sounds without awareness of the event. Sometimes you can even hold conversations with someone who is sleep talking. Sleep talking episodes are not associated with awareness of talking. Sleep recordings show episodes of sleep talking that can occur in any stage of sleep. It can be associated with other health disorders such as, psychiatric, anxiety, as well as other sleep disorders like sleepwalking, sleep apnea, or REM sleep behavior disorder. Nobody really knows why sleep talking is so common, especially among children. Some experts believe certain factors in our lives have something to do with sleep talking. What some people think are common causes of sleep talking are lack of sleep, stress, fever, extreme distress or even pain or sever trauma. Again nobody is really sure what causes sleep talking, but it is an interesting phenomenon. Talking, laughing or crying during sleep is not usually considered a problem.
“Enuresis” is what doctors call bedwetting. This can be quite embarrassing for older children, who are often fearful of having sleepovers at a friend's house, knowing they could have an "accident". Bed-wetting (or nocturnal enuresis) is an inability to control the flow of urine during the night. It is fairly common for kids to wet the bed, one or more times per night. At age 5, about 15 percent of children have enuresis. By the age of 15, one to two percent of adolescents still have it. If left untreated, some will wet the bed for life. Devices that set off an alarm to awaken the child when he urinates in bed can be quite effective for some. Most medicines stop working after a period of time or the problem recurs as soon as the medicine is discontinued. Most children grow out of this problem eventually and parents need to be patient and supportive. Research revealed that enuresis is often inherited. There is a 77 percent chance that a child might inherit it if both parents were bed-wetters. It is more prevalent with boys. Contrary to belief, bed-wetting is not a mental or behavior problem. Neither does it come from emotional stress, poor self-esteem or emotional maturity. It is a common developmental phenomenon related to physical and physiologic factors. There are two types of nocturnal enuresis: primary and secondary. Primary nocturnal enuresis is when a child has not yet developed complete night-time bladder control. Secondary nocturnal enuresis is when a child accidentally wets the bed after having had bladder control for six or more months. Some factors linked to bed-wetting include: Bladder size - may be too little to hold the normal amount of urine. Infection - abnormalities due to diabetes or chronic urinary tract infection. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) hormone which suppresses the rate of urine production. Some bed-wetters make less ADH or have kidneys less responsive to ADH. Delayed growth and development – nervous system is not mature enough to have the ability to stop the bladder from emptying at night. Imbalance of the bladder muscle – the muscle that contracts to squeeze the urine out is stronger than the sphincter muscles that holds the urine in. Diet – foods containing high levels of artificial color and sweetener such as dairy products, citrus fruits, caffeinated cola drinks and chocolate have been associated with bed-wetting. Constipation or encopresis (uncontrolled passing of stools) Difficulties waking up from sleep Not much can be done to prevent children from bed-wetting. Most children outgrow it without treatment. It is important to stress to the child that bed-wetting is natural and should not be viewed as humiliating or shameful. Adult Bed Wetting remedies Obviously, go to the toilet before you go to bed, even if you don’t think you “need to,” go anyway and see if you can empty your bladder. It makes sense to limit your fluid intake for up to 6 hours before you go to sleep. Experiment to see how much you need to reduce your drinks. It may simply be a case of working backwards for a few nights until you realize that as long as you have your last drink at XX p.m. you are OK for the whole night. Avoid caffeine if possible, as it is a diuretic and stimulant. Alcohol is a stimulant and also dulls your system, so you are less likely to easily wake up in time when you need to, to be able to get to the bathroom in time. Definitely avoid drinking yourself into a stupor, as obviously you have little chance of being mentally alert and fully functional when you need to respond to the call of nature. If you are not experiencing any insomnia problems, try setting the alarm clock to wake you halfway in the night, to allow you to go to the bathroom and empty your bladder before you go back to sleep. If you only have light bed wetting problems, purchase the adult pads that can be placed in your underwear to catch any light spillage during the night. EXERCISES: One of the best natural remedies is to exercise your bladder muscles. Simply tense your lower abdominal muscles – pretend you are trying to stop yourself while you are urinating. Only practice this exercise in “theory” as stopping yourself when you are actually urinating can lead to back leakage and infections in your urinary tract. Exercising your abdominal muscles also helps tone up your urinary muscles and tones you over all. Also practice not going to the toilet the very instant you feel the need to urinate, instead try waiting 10 minutes, or more if you can. When we are home based we tend to “conveniently” go to the toilet more often than if we were out shopping, or in a work environment where we would have to wait for a “break”. The more your bladder is naturally trained to “hold on” until it is convenient for you to “go” the better for you. It may even make the difference in being able to “hold on” at night until your body is able to wake you up, to leave the bed for the bathroom. Women who have had children often have very weak bladders after childbirth and may need surgery to remedy this. If the above home remedies don’t work, you need to see your doctor for the latest update on treatments available. Parasomnias include a variety of disorders such as sleep walking (somnambulism), night eating, sleep-related bruxism (tooth grinding), nightmares, night terrors, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Parasomnias occur most commonly in children, but adults can experience parasomnias at any age. For example, night eating appears to occur most commonly in young female patients, and REM sleep behavior disorder appears to be most common in elderly men. Most parasomnias involve some behavioral abnormality that occurs during sleep. For example, sleepwalkers may rise from bed, walk about the house, and finally come to rest somewhere other than their beds. While most sleep walking is benign, some sleepwalkers engage in remarkable behaviors during their excursions, such as eating during sleep. Some parasomnias involve some violent (e.g., hitting a spouse), bizarre or unhealthy (e.g., eating large amounts of food or unusual food items), or even criminal behavior during sleep. Parasomnias require a careful evaluation by a physician. Behavioral treatments or medications may be appropriate. One of the doctor’s primary concerns is the health and safety of the patient, as well as the safety of others in the patient’s environment. Sleepwalking, often occurring very early in the night, is most common for children between the ages of three and seven. Sleepwalking can run in the family, but sometimes suggests the presence of other problems, such as sleep apnea. Sleepwalking is experienced by as many as 40 percent of children, usually between ages three and seven. Sleepwalking usually occur an hour or two after sleep onset and may last five to 20 minutes. As sleep deprivation often contributes to sleepwalking, moving bedtime earlier can be helpful. Sleepwalking, like night terrors, tends to run in families. This problem emerges more frequently sometime after age 6. A child can get up and walk around while still in a sleep state. Gently guide the sleepwalker back to bed; you may not be able to wake him up fully. At times, the child can open doors and go outside. Make sure your house is safe for your child’s wanderings. When the problem is this severe and can possibly endanger the child, medication is used. Generally the child should be led back to bed without attempting to awaken him. Sleepwalking tends to spontaneously resolve. Narcolepsy is a chronic (long-lasting) neurological (affecting the brain or nerves) disorder that involves your body's central nervous system. The central nervous system is the "highway" of nerves that carries messages from your brain to other parts of your body. For people with narcolepsy, the messages about when to sleep and when to be awake sometimes hit roadblocks or detours and arrive in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is why someone who has narcolepsy, not managed by medications, may fall asleep while eating dinner or engaged in social activities - or at times when he or she wants to be awake. Recent discoveries indicate that people with narcolepsy lack a chemical in the brain called hypocretin, which normally stimulates arousal and helps regulate sleep. They also discovered that there is a reduction in the number of Hcrt cells or neurons that secrete hypocretin. This may be due to a degenerative process or an immune response. How this occurs is unknown. About one in 2,000 people suffers from narcolepsy. It affects both men and women of any age, but its symptoms are usually noticed after puberty begins. For the majority of persons with narcolepsy, their first symptoms appear between the ages of 15 and 30.
Major symptoms Excessive daytime sleepiness is usually the first symptom to appear, and often the most troubling. It is an overwhelming and recurring need to sleep at times when you want to be awake. In addition to sleepiness, key symptoms of narcolepsy can include regular episodes of: cataplexy - a sudden loss of muscle control ranging from slight weakness (head droop, facial sagging, jaw drop, slurred speech, buckling of knees) to total collapse. It is commonly triggered by intense emotion (laughter, anger, surprise, fear) or strenuous athletic activity. Most persons with narcolepsy have some degree of cataplexy. sleep paralysis - being unable to talk or move for a brief period when falling asleep or waking up. Many persons with narcolepsy suffer short-lasting partial or complete sleep paralysis. hypnagogic hallucinations - vivid and often scary dreams and sounds reported when falling asleep. People without narcolepsy may experience hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis as well. automatic behavior - familiar, routine or boring tasks performed without full awareness or later memory of them. Diagnosing Narcolepsy In addition to a medical history and physician examination, a diagnosis is made from polysomnogram tests in an overnight sleep laboratory to measure brain waves and body movements as well as nerve and muscle function. A diagnosis also includes the results of the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), which measures the time it takes to fall asleep and to go into deep sleep while taking several naps over a period of time. Many physicians are not familiar with identifying the symptoms and diagnostic procedures specific to narcolepsy. Often, these symptoms are associated with other disorders. Asking for a referral to a sleep specialist or sleep center will avoid the delay in both diagnosis and treatment so often experienced by those who suffer from this serious disorder. Treatment options The best treatment plan is the one that works for you. Treatment with medications is the first line of defense. The goal in using medications should be to approach normal alertness while minimizing side effects and disruptions to daily activities. Changes in behavior combined with drug treatment have helped most persons with narcolepsy improve their alertness and enjoy an active lifestyle. Common medications and side effects Doctors generally prescribe stimulants to improve alertness and antidepressants to control cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis. Common stimulants include: dextroamphetamine sulfate (DexedrineTM), methylphenidate hydrochloride (RitalinTM), and pemoline (CylertTM). Methamphetamine hydrochloride (DesoxynTM) is prescribed less frequently for narcolepsy. Some of the most common side effects of stimulants are headache, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, irregular heart beat, and mood changes. A wake-promoting drug, modafinil (ProvigilTM) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 for use in treating the excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. It does not act as a stimulant for other body systems and studies have shown that modafinil is effective in improving alertness with few side effects and low abuse potential. Several classes of antidepressants are prescribed to treat cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis. One class, multicyclics, includes imipramine (TofranilTM), desimpramine (NorpraminTM), clomipramine (AnafranilTM), and protriptyline (VivactilTM). Another class are selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include fluoxetine (ProzacTM), paroxetine (PaxilTM), and sertraline (ZoloftTM). Side effects vary from one class of antidepressants to another. Those most often reported are drowsiness, sexual dysfunction and lowered blood pressure. In a small percentage of patients, SSRIs cause overexcitement, anxiety, insomnia, nausea and reduced sexual drive. Sodium oxybate (XyremTM) is the first and only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of cataplexy associated with narcolepsy. It produces consolidation of sleep and improvement of disturbed nighttime sleep characteristic of narcolepsy. It is sedating and should only be used at night. Xyrem is a Schedule III controlled drug substance with abuse potential that is available by prescription. Narcolepsy patients who have other health conditions (like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes) should ask their doctor or pharmacist how medications for those conditions may interact with those taken for narcolepsy. If you take over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, keep in mind that they may make you sleepy. Narcolepsy is a rare condition that affects approximately 0.05% of the population, with symptoms peaking between the ages of 15 and 20. Narcolepsy is marked by excessive daytime sleepiness which can be so severe that it interferes with functioning and sometimes results in unexpected “sleep attacks.” People with narcolepsy often report the associated symptoms of sleep paralysis, hypnogogic hallucinations, cataplexy, and automatic behavior. Sleep paralysis usually occurs when the sleeper is lying in bed prior to sleep onset or after awakening. He or she is unable to move for a few seconds, minutes, or longer. Sometimes sleepers can move only their eyes. The episodes are generally harmless, although they can result in genuine distress for the sufferer. Narcolepsy is a chronic (long-lasting) neurological (affecting the brain or nerves) disorder that involves your body's central nervous system. The central nervous system is the "highway" of nerves that carries messages from your brain to other parts of your body. For people with narcolepsy, the messages about when to sleep and when to be awake sometimes hit roadblocks or detours and arrive in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is why someone who has narcolepsy, not managed by medications, may fall asleep while eating dinner or engaged in social activities - or at times when he or she wants to be awake. Recent discoveries indicate that people with narcolepsy lack a chemical in the brain called hypocretin, which normally stimulates arousal and helps regulate sleep. They also discovered that there is a reduction in the number of Hcrt cells or neurons that secrete hypocretin. This may be due to a degenerative process or an immune response. How this occurs is unknown. About one in 2,000 people suffers from narcolepsy. It affects both men and women of any age, but its symptoms are usually noticed after puberty begins. For the majority of persons with narcolepsy, their first symptoms appear between the ages of 15 and 30. Hypnogogic hallucinations also generally occur when the sleeper is lying in bed prior to sleep onset or after awakening. The sufferer may experience auditory, visual, tactile, or olfactory (smell) hallucinations for brief periods. People sometimes describe these as brief, dreamlike experiences. Although these experiences are not concerning to many, some people can have terrifying or disturbing hallucinations that cause them great distress. Cataplexy is characterized by the sudden loss of muscle tone while awake. The sufferer may experience a mild, transient drop in muscle tone (e.g., a droopy arm or periods of clumsiness associated with dropping things), or may experience severe loss of muscle tone that literally results in falling to the floor, and speech can be affected during the attacks. Cataplexy often is brought on by stress, fatigue, or the experience of intense emotion such as anger or laughter. Narcolepsy and cataplexy are so rare that healthcare providers often fail to accurately diagnose the problem. Automatic behavior refers to actions for which the person has no memory. Sometimes the sufferer reports that she is acting in a “fog.” For example, one woman with narcolepsy entered her dining room to find a beautiful vase on her table. She had no idea where it came from until she looked at her checkbook and realized that she had purchased it on a recent shopping trip. Both the vase and the shopping trip had been forgotten! Automatic behavior probably is due to severe sleepiness. Narcolepsy often is diagnosed in a sleep laboratory facility. One diagnostic indicator of narcolepsy is the occurrence of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep on daytime nap testing. Narcolepsy usually is treated with stimulant medication to address daytime sleepiness, and tricyclic or other medications to address sleep paralysis, hypnogogic hallucinations, and cataplexy. These medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate
Prevention: What you eat during the day and evening can affect your sleeping patterns. If your diet consists of a high amount of processed foods you may want to try eating more wholesome products. You may want to eliminate, reduce, or substitute the amount of sugars, fats, and preservatives from your daily intake of food. This may benefit your ability to fall asleep at night as well as improve your general health. Eat a well balanced diet by following the recommended daily food allowance. Make sure you are meeting the daily requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat complex carbohydrates and choose protein that is low in fat. You can also choose healthy meat substitutes, such at tofu and vegetarian burgers. Become aware of any food allergies that you have and try to avoid them. If your body is allergic to certain foods it may affect the way you think and feel. This could be a contributing factor to your sleep problem. Some common food allergies that are known to contribute to insomnia are corn, dairy products, wheat, and chocolate. Try to schedule your last evening meal at least four hours before bed. Eat a healthy, well balanced meal. Try not to overeat as this may cause you to become tired after your meal. You want to avoid feeling tired or napping in the early evening hours as this will greatly hinder your ability to fall asleep at bedtime. As well, try to eat enough so that you are not hungry later and find yourself reaching for foods that are high in fat or sugars. If you find that you are hungry before bed you may find that a small snack an hour or two before bedtime will help. Avoid foods that are high in protein, fats, and sugars. You should also avoid foods that are too heavy or spicy. Try a bit of cereal and milk or one serving of low-fat yogurt. The key idea is to provide your body with a bit of nourishment to avoid hunger pangs and not overindulge in an evening snack. The goal is to reduce your hunger and allow your body to rest and relax. Make sure that you drink enough water during the day. Studies show that your daily recommended water intake should be around 8 glasses, or 2 liters. If your body is well hydrated it won't signal you to wake up during the night. Try to avoid drinking water or other liquids one hour before bed if the need to urinate wakes you up during the night. The healthier you eat the more balanced you will feel both physically and emotionally. The target here is to get you to sleep regularly and deeply without waking during the night.
Diet change strategies:
Also, it has been proved now that some foods have the power to affect our sleep. The affects can be positive as well as negative. Some foods can increase our nervous simulation and prevent us from sleeping.
Drinking caffeinated beverages or xanthine in tea before bed time are example of such foods. Also fizzy drinks and cigarettes have the same effect.
Basically, these foods stimualte neurochemicals that perk up the brain. Other major factor responsible for a disturbed sleep is eating a heavy dinner before bedtime, it results in snoring, heavy breathing and reflux esophagitis.
Myth: The most common myth found among mass is, they believe alcohol helps in the sleep. But the fact is, alcohol may initially act as sedative but it interrupts normal sleep patterns in the long run.
Now, lets look at the other side of the story. There are certain foods which improve our sleep. These foods are rich in trytophan. Tryptophan is the amino acid that the body uses to make serotonin, the neurotransmitter that slows down nerve traffic and lulls us into restful sleep. Eating carbohydrates rich in trytophan makes this calming amino acid more available to brain. Foods containing trytophan that aid sleep are . Milk Tip: Avoid eating junk food and highly refined food at night because fibre-rich food increases serotonin availability, but processed carbs over stimulates insulin, which leads to disturbed sleep. What are some better sleep bedtime drink recipes? If you wake frequently in the night, a flask filled with a hot, caffeine-free drink such as herbal tea, chicory “coffee” or plain hot water, can provide an instant soother. It also means that you don’t need to get up out of bed, making it easier to return to sleep.
Vitamin & Nutrient Associations Studies have shown a link between Vitamin B12 and other health conditions including insomnia. The body requires vitamin B12 to manufacture red blood cells and myelin. Myelin is the fatty lining around nerve cells. There has been a great deal of research into the effectiveness of vitamin B12 injections and multiple sclerosis. You may find benefit from our information on detoxification As well as about detoxing because of change of diet It may be due to difficulties with your digestive system that is causing your body to be starved of key nutrients, vitamins or minerals. There is also more information here about why is nutrition such an issue nowadays? It may be that your metabolism has slowed due to pressures that have been placed on your system through life in general or through specific “challenges” you have faced in the last few months or last few years. Review this by looking at our article about balancing your Metabolic Rate. We wish you well in your search for solutions to this problem and your movement towards better health in all areas.
More Resources available about sleep disorders : What is The Interrelationship of Depression and Insomnia? Another study shows that even without a history of depression, if an elderly patient suffers from insomnia, they have a high risk of being depressed. This is usually observed in women.
child sleep disorders There is not one correct way to deal with your child in regard to sleep. Each child is unique and has his own special set of circumstances and needs. What's important is for parents to identify what they feel comfortable with and what they feel is best for their child.
daily sleep requirements When we sleep well, we wake up feeling refreshed, alert and ready to face daily challenges. When we don’t meet our daily sleep requirements, every part of our lives can suffer. Our jobs, relationships, productivity, health and safety (and that of those around us) are all put at risk.
Energy Quiz Restless Leg Syndrome
Natural Sleep Aids & better sleep Tips Dr Juan Semo has written a series of about a doxen articles on sleep issues for the Wentax company that are recommended reading. You cand find them at: Dr Semo sleep articles Jet lag sleep disorder snoring Generally, snoring is most common in men than women. Overweight people show more tendencies to snore than those within normal weight. Age appears to aggravate the situation as well. sleep apnea
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