A Brief Overview of Sleep Disorders

http://sleephygiene.web.unc.edu/

Sleep ApneaSleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is

characterized by pauses or decreased breathing lasting at least 10 seconds during sleep

There are three types of sleep apnea:Obstructive (OSA): there is effort to breathe but the

airway is blocked or restrictedCentral (OSA): there is no effort to breathe; the brain

fails to signal the body to breatheMixed (Complex): a mixture of obstructive and

central sleep apneaSleep apnea is diagnosed with an overnight sleep

study

Symptoms of Sleep ApneaLoud snoringWitness apneaWaking gasping for

airExcessive daytime

sleepinessInsomniaFrequent awakenings

during the night; inability to stay asleep

High blood pressure that is not controlled by medication

Waking in the morning with dry mouth

Morning headaches

Risk Factors of Sleep ApneaObesity: BMI greater than 30Male: Sleep apnea is more common in men

than womenAge: more common over the age of 40Family history of sleep apneaSmokingUse of alcohol, sedatives, and/or tranquilizers:

these relax the muscles in the throatHeart diseaseStroke

Effects of Sleep ApneaHigh blood pressure

or other heart problems

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Memory problemsWeight gainImpotenceHeadachesSleep deprive bed

partnersCar accidents

When should you speak with your doctor about a sleep study?

If your bed partner complains of loud snoring and/or has witness you not breathing while asleep

If you wake with a dry mouth or sore throat, cough choking and unable to catch your breath

If you have excessive daytime sleepiness and decreased energy during the day

Inability to remain awake while drivingWake up not feeling refreshed or experience

restless sleepExperience headaches in the morningInability to recall, retain information, mood

changesBe sure to take a completed

Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Sleep Diary with you to your visit!

Treating Sleep ApneaPositive airway

pressure (PAP) therapyCPAPBiPAP

Mandibular devicesSurgical optionsLifestyle changes

(mild sleep apnea)

InsomniaInsomnia is a disorder

that consists of difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, that prevents the affected person from getting enough quality sleep

Those who suffer from insomnia wake feeling un-refreshed or feel they have not slept at all

Symptoms of InsomniaDifficulty falling asleepFrequent awakenings Awakening too earlyExcessive daytime

sleepiness or fatigueHeadachesInability to focus on

tasksIncreased errors or

accidentsIrritability, depression,

and/or anxiety

When to see your physicianYou should see your

physician when you have difficulty functioning during the day and you have tried to improve your sleep hygiene without any results

Take a copy of your completed Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Sleep Diary with you

Your physician may refer you to a sleep specialist

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Disorder (Hypersomnia)

Constant or recurrent events of extreme sleepiness during the day despite getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep

There are many causes for hypersomnia, such as Narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and insomnia, these should be ruled out with sleep testing before treatment of Hypersomnia

Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is characterized by sudden sleep

attacks, insomnia, and sleep paralysis; can occur with cataplexyCataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone,

usually brought on by an emotional responseSymptoms most often begin between the

ages of 10 to 25

NarcolepsySymptoms TreatmentExcessive and

uncontrollable daytime sleepiness

CataplexySleep paralysis- inability

to move or speak when falling asleep or waking

Hallucinations- as you are falling asleep or waking

There is no cure for Narcolepsy

Medications: stimulants to improve alertness

Behavioral therapy: scheduling naps during the day

Talking to your physician about excessive daytime sleepiness

You should see your physician when you have difficulty functioning during the day and you have tried to improve your sleep hygiene without any results

Take a copy of your completed Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Sleep Diary with you

Your physician may refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study and additional testing called a multiple sleep latency test

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)RLS is a neurologic disorder that causes an

overwhelming urge to move the legs While legs are the most commonly affected, it

can be the arms, face, or torsoThe symptoms are different for each

individual, but the sensation is usually couple with unpleasant sensations

It is more severe at night, when restingIt is believed that there is a genetic link for

RLS

RLSSymptoms TreatmentUrge to move legs,

usually associated with an uncomfortable feeling, such as tingling, itching, aching, or creepy

Difficulty falling asleep due to the sensations

May be alleviated by rubbing the legs or getting up and moving around

While there is no cure for RLS there are medications that may help to alleviate the problem

Speaking with your physician about sleep disordersIf you are concerned that

you may have a sleep disorder, speak with your physician explaining your symptoms.

Take your completed sleep diary to help you explain your concerns.

Take a copy of your completed Epworth Sleepiness Scale if you are experiencing daytime sleepiness.

Your physician may refer you to a sleep specialist

Referenceshttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-apne

a/DS00148/DSECTION=risk-factorshttp://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorderss/guid

e/sleep-disorders-overview-factshttp://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/http://www.sleepapnea.org/learn/sleep-apnea.

htmlhttp://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-

related-problems/narcolepsy-and-sleep