Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when soft tissue at the back of the throat relaxes during sleep, closing the airway and causing breathing to stop. These breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more an hour.
Signs of sleep apnea:
- Snoring loud enough to disrupt your sleep or that of others
- Awakening abruptly with a snorting or choking sound, or gasping for air
- Waking up in the morning with a dry mouth, sore throat or headache
- Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
- Having trouble concentrating, remembering or staying awake during the day
- Feeling irritable or depressed
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Leg Syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system is characterized by a “creeping” or tugging sensation as well as aches, pains and burning in the legs, causing an irresistible urge to move them around for relief. This makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
Insomnia
Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking up too early or feeling tired in the morning. Insomnia can be caused by anxiety, depression and other health conditions — even certain medications.
Narcolepsy
A neurological disorder affecting the control of sleep and wakefulness, narcolepsy causes an overwhelming and uncontrollable desire to sleep during daily activities. Sudden sleep attacks can occur almost anytime and anywhere.
Parasomnia
Examples of parasomnia sleep disorders include nightmares, night terrors (nightmares during non-dream stages of sleep) and sleepwalking. Those suffering from the condition may not respond to voices or wake up during their parasomnia episodes, nor remember them later.
Shift Work Sleep Disorder
Shift Work Sleep Disorder, which typically affects those who work nights or rotating shifts, is caused by a disruption to circadian rhythm — the body’s internal clock. Working during normal sleeping hours can lead to trouble staying alert on the shift or sleeping enough during the day to feel rested.