Sleep Disorder Awareness
June 1st until the 7th, has been designated by the American Sleep Association as Sleep Disorder Awareness Week.
Sleep disorders are a broad term for behaviours and abnormalities that cause sleep to be interrupted. There is a wide spectrum of sleep disorders recognized by the medical community, and it is likely that we all know someone who is suffering from any number of sleep disorders. Sleep disorders in general pose health risks, so it is important to be aware if you or a loved one may be suffering from one. Here are some common sleep disorders.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
At Good Morning Snore Solution, the sleep disorder we focus on is snoring. Although snoring is common and often benign, it can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea—a serious medical condition. Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, stroke, heart attack, certain arrhythmias, and repeated reductions in blood oxygen levels during sleep. While snoring itself is often harmless, it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea or another underlying sleep-related breathing disorder that may warrant medical evaluation. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans suffer from Sleep Apnea, and at least 2-3% of children have it as well.
Insomnia
Insomnia is another sleep disorder that many have experienced. Sufferers often have difficulty falling asleep. They may also have problems staying asleep. Most sufferers have Secondary Insomnia, where insomnia is caused by other factors such as medical or emotional disorders. Primary Insomnia is its own disorder, and can be caused by external stressors. Those who have insomnia can also have chronic insomnia, where it occur several nights a week. Insomnia can cause daytime fatigue, depression, irritability, and affect your ability to concentrate.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is referred to as a “sleep-related movement disorder” by the National Sleep Foundation, which also says 1 in 10 Americans suffer from the disease. RLS is a neurological disorder that causes patients to have an overwhelming urge to move their legs while resting – which usually occurs at night. Because of this, the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep is severely impacted.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is another neurological sleep disorder where the brain is unable to control the patient’s sleep/wake cycle. People with narcolepsy have Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), where they have significant difficulty staying awake during the day, and are prone to falling asleep unexpectedly. These bouts of sleep can sometimes last for only brief periods, also known as microsleeps. They may also suffer from cataplexy, where they experience weakness and loss of voluntary muscle control. Other symptoms include hallucinations and sleep paralysis. Sleep disorders are very common. Therefore, if you think that you or someone you love might be suffering from a sleep disorder, it is best to consult your doctor. For more information on Sleep Disorder Awareness Week, visit the American Sleep Association website.
Disclaimer from Good Morning Snore Solution - The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.The Good Morning Snore Solution is marketed and FDA-cleared as an aid for reducing snoring in adults 18 years of age and older and is not marketed as a treatment for sleep apnea or other medical conditions. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you may have sleep apnea or another medical condition.
