Sleep Disorder

Sleep Disorder Facts

More than 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders today.  Of that, about 50 million people suffer from chronic sleep disorders, and another 30 million suffer from periodic sleep disorders.

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Take our sleep test or sleep quiz to determine if you have a sleeping problem. See on this website: Sleep Quiz

Sleep Disorder - Three General Types Of Sleep Disorders

There are generally three types of sleep disorders.  The three types of sleep disorders are: lack of enough sleep, sleep disturbance, and  too much or excessive sleep.  Each type of sleep disorder describes the amount of sleep the person affected gets in relation to how much they need.  It's reported that the average adult needs about nine hours of sleep, but many studies and people dispute this, reports ranging from four hours to ten hours a night.  Many people say they survive nicely on four or five hours of sleep. Others say they need  nine or even ten hours. Many people who get (not need) only four hours sleep take naps during the day. So there is a big difference between sleep need and 'getting' sleep. Also see on this website: Sleep Disorder Classifications

Sleep Disorder - Lack Of Sleep

The first type of sleep disorders, lack

of sleep, is also commonly known as insomnia and this is what people usually have rather than a more complex sleeping disorder. It's not uncommon to experience simple  insomnia occasionally; however, but if it occurs often, then it may be a sign of the more complicated chronic insomnia. And failing to get the right amount of sleep can disrupt one's daily life in many ways. One can easily be more irritable and anger easily whereas if he/she were not sleep deprived they would feel more relaxed and happy as they went about the day. Many people who suffer from chronic insomnia do worry during the day about not being able to fall asleep and this just contributes to the problem.  See on this website:  Insomnia   Insomnia or lack of sleep can have a big effect on judgment, memory, hand to eye coordination, well-being, and the reaction-time.  Sleep deprivation also can damage the immune system and people whose immune systems are already compromised  with various ailments  and illnesses will suffer even more. See also on this website:  Sleep Deprivation

Sleep Disorder - Disturbed Sleep

Disturbed sleep is another type of sleep disorder, and it means the disruption of normal sleep.  In this type you'll find the most common type called obstructive sleep apnea.  Obstructive sleep apnea is caused either by a problem with the windpipe, a neurological disorder, or sometimes an unknown factor; it causes loud snoring Snoring Treatment and blocked airways. If not treated, eventually, this sleep disorder can sometimes cause a stroke. Sleep apnea can cause death if not treated. Make sure to see your sleep specialist as soon as possible if you think you may have sleep apnea or if your spouse or partner say he/she hear you stop breathing during sleep; take them seriously and get checked out by your doctor right away.  

Other sleep disorders under the disturbed sleep type include Restless Legs Syndrome, sometimes incorrectly referred to as Restless Leg Syndrome, with one 's', and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder.  Both of these sleeping disorders cause involuntary movement in the arms and legs during sleep and raise havoc for getting a good nights rest. See on this website:   Restless Legs Syndrome

Sleep Disorder - Excessive Sleep

In the sleep disorder type called “excessive sleep you'll find the most well-known called narcolepsy.  Narcolepsy will cause most patients to have unexpected periods of sleep throughout the day for as little as a few minutes to as long as half an hour at times.  Also narcolepsy can have complications such as cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations.  Cataplexy is the weakness or complete paralysis of the muscles, and hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid dreams that happen during the stage of sleep between being awake and being asleep. See on this website: Narcolepsy  and  Cataplexy

Sleep Disorder - Getting Help And Support for a Sleep Disorder

So if you toss and turn each night before you're finally able to fall asleep, know that many other people are also experiencing this same problem. If you suffer from any type of sleep disorder or sleep problem that the usual sleeping tips don't help and you know you aren't going through some temporary stressful times, you should consult with your doctor, naturopathic  doctor or a doctor who is a sleep specialist as soon as possible to get properly diagnosed and to determine what form of treatment would be best for you.  Most doctors have the ability to help you determine what is the cause of the problem, come up with the right diagnosis and hopefully not have to prescribe medications, of course you can always turn these down. Sleeping medications have risks and problems of their own so you may be adding a new set of problems to the existing. if you can, go without sleeping pills, do so, it's always up to you to make the decision about your body. You have the right to refuse or accept. They may also be able to recommend sleep disorder support groups.  Or you can spend some time on the free sleep disorder forums found easily online, where you can share your symptoms, treatments and experiences with others who have sleeping problems.

To Your Good Health!

Helen Hecker R.N.

Nurse Kindheart!