About Sleep Disorders
Any condition that creates daytime drowsiness puts you at risk for mistakes and accidents. Every year, more than 100,000 traffic accidents are attributed to sleepy drivers. In addition to causing daytime drowsiness, disorders such as sleep apnea can also raise blood pressure and put you at greater risk for developing heart disease. Common sleep disorders include:
Snoring
Snoring is the most common sleep disorder. Almost half of adults snore at least occasionally. Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe, creating hoarse or harsh sounds. In addition to disrupting your partner’s sleep, snoring may indicate a serious health condition.
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Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a characterized by stopped or slowed breathing during sleep. When breathing stops, you wake up, which causes sleep to become fragmented and less restful. Patients with sleep apnea often snore and may suffer from daytime drowsiness and morning headaches.
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Insomnia
The inability to fall asleep affects almost everyone at some time. According to National Sleep Foundation surveys, more than half of America experiences insomnia a few times each week, leading to daytime drowsiness, poor concentration and depression.
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Restless Legs
Excessive tossing and turning may be a sign of restless leg syndrome. Characterized by the discomfort that is temporarily relieved by movement, restless leg syndrome can disrupt normal sleep and lead to daytime drowsiness.
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Parasomnias (Sleepwalking and Sleep Terrors)
Parasomnias are sleep disturbances that cause unwanted physical activity, such as sleepwalking, night terrors, eating while asleep and bed. For adults who have parasomnia disorders, treatment is especially important if the incidents are frequent or could cause harm to the individual or others.
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Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a very rare but often debilitating sleep disorder characterized by “sleep attacks” that can strike unexpectedly at any time. Anyone who cannot control the timing of sleep or who experiences cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone) should seek treatment.
Last reviewed May 2009
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