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As ordinary a function of life that sleep is, there is a lot that supposed experts in the field and scientists still don’t know about it. Sleep is vital to our health, yet around 40 million people in the United States alone have some type of long-term sleep disorder. Another 20 million have periodic problems with sleep.
Sleep patterns and how often we wake up and fall asleep are ruled by several different chemical reactions in the brain and bloodstream. Certain foods and medications can affect the balance of those chemicals and greatly influence how we sleep. The perfect example is caffeine, which is a very common cause of insomnia. Some things like smoking and alcohol cut down on important rapid eye movement (REM) sleep as well as cause a loss of deeper sleep, both of which are key components of the sleep cycle.
While there are over 70 known sleep disorders, they all fall into one of three groups:
Insomnia
Simply defined as a lack of sleep, insomnia is the most common of the sleep disorders and happens more often to the elderly and to women. Chronic insomnia can negatively impact someone’s daily. It is most commonly caused by diet, stress and emotional issues, if not by some underlying illness. Being consistently deprived of sleep can hurt the body’s immune system.
In the short term, sleeping pills can be the answer, but taken for a long time, they can make the problem worse.
Disrupted Sleep
Sleep disruption is usually caused by sleep apnea, which is an interruption of breathing while asleep. Most often it is the result of some problem associated with the windpipe. As people get older, the muscles of the windpipe relax, which can make it collapse while they sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by loud snoring and a blockage of the flow of air through the windpipe. This blockage can last anywhere from 10 seconds to a minute, but the brain will recognize the lack of oxygen and the windpipe reopens. These people lose sleep because every time this blockage occurs they wake up.
Sleeping Too Much
Narcolepsy is the most well known sleep disorder that causes too much sleep. It is a genetic disorder that makes people fall asleep accidentally any time of the day for one minute or so or up to an hour. This can even occur when the person is in the middle of some activity.
What else can I help you with?
A Little Known Sleep Disorder- Sleep Paralysis ?
Many people suffer from the sleep disorder known as sleep paralysis. This disorder occurs when people are in the REM state, known as rapid eye movement. In sleep paralysis, the individual becomes aware that they are waking up before the body does, causing a paralysis of the limbs. While the experience can be frightening, it is not dangerous, and may last anywhere from just a few seconds to a few minutes or more.
What is primary sleep disorder?
Primary sleep disorder-- A sleep disorder that cannot be attributed to a medical condition, another mental disorder, or prescription medications or other substances
What is circadian rhythm sleep disorder?
Circadian rhythm sleep disorder is a disorder that affects the timing of sleep. People with this disorder typically have issues waking up by alarm clock but can sleep and wake when they wake by their body clock. You can get more information about this disorder at the Wikipedia.
How do you stop sleep disorders?
Sleep problems can be caused by disorders in various systems of the body. Therefore, people suffering from sleep disorders are treated and managed by specialists from different branches of medicine. For example, pulmonary medicine can treat people who suffer from sleep apnea, which is a respiratory disorder. Narcolepsy, which is a sleep problem caused by a neurological disorder, is treated by a neurologist. In addition to this, many rehabilitation centers and mental health facilities also offer comprehensive sleep disorder therapies. Physicians who wish to become certified in sleep disorders medicine have to comply with standards established by The American Board of Sleep Medicine.
Can you have bipolar disorder even though you sleep well?
Yes. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder, not a sleep disorder, although it can effect sleep, depending on the person. It is very individual and differs from person to person in how it effects them.
What are the release dates for Sleep Disorder - 2005?
Sleep Disorder - 2005 was released on: USA: 2005
Did Kathryn Kuhlman suffer from mental disorder?
NO
Does Mark Harmon suffer from a bipolar disorder?
no
How many boys suffer a eating disorder?
An estimated 1 in every 200 people suffer from and eating disorder. Of that, 90% are female and 10% are male.
What can you not do if you suffer from insomnia?
Sleep
What mental disorder does Melvin suffer from in the movie 'As Good As It Gets'?
Obsessive Compulsive disorder
Which sleep disorder is associated with obesity?
Sleep apnea
