What Are Some Common Sleep Disorders

In order for a human being to live there are particular functions that need to be fulfilled. One of these is sleep, and it is true to say that sleep is a function and indeed a necessary one. This is because through sleep, there are a great many wonders worked. An example of one of the wonders worked includes tissue repair; during one’s sleep, the body is rested and no excess activity takes place.

This means while tissues are not being used, they are being repaired by re-generative processes in the body. This means that people need to sleep in order to prevent their bodies being wasted away. When a person does not sleep well one night, s/he begins to experience fatigue which is due to incomplete repair of material used in the body. In addition to this it should also be noted that the human mind never really rests; it goes into different states of operation, some of which are great mysteries that are still being investigated.

However, there are many things that are also known about the working of the human mind and the sleep patterns and behavior that are associated with it.

Few of the sleep disorders that are known include;

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• Narcolepsy
• Periodic Limb Movements (PLM)
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
• Insomnia
• Parasomnia

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

This disorder is quite well known as is commonly known as snoring. Around 3 to 8 percent people suffer with this sleep disorder. More men than women are affected with Obstructive sleep apnea. As the name implies, an obstruction occurs in the upper breathing tract. When this occurs during one’s sleep, it is obvious that oxygen supply through breathing does not take place and can be dangerous. However, when this natural blockage takes place, which may last up to 90 seconds, a shot-circuit kind of action is set of, and that is when the snorting sound takes place. It is this snorting sound that indicates that air flow to and from the lungs still continues.

Narcolepsy

This disorder is known to plague 5 people out of 100,000. The cause of this disorder is largely unknown. Common symptoms of this disorder include:

• Extreme sleepiness
• Cataplexy
• Hypnagogic hallucination in extreme conditions
• Sleep paralysis
• Automatic behavior
• Lack of concentration
• Problems at work or school

Periodic Limb Movements (PLM)

In this condition, Jerking of the legs takes place in the form of a rhythm. Similar to this is the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in which the limbs move as though one is crawling. Between 2 and 5 percent people suffer with this condition. The symptoms for it include:

• A “jumpy” feeling in the legs
• Discomfort during sleep
• Incomplete sleep and non-refreshed feeling
• Sleepiness throughout the day

Though there are a significant number of people that suffer with this disorder, treatment for it helps at least 90% of those affected.

Insomnia

This is a serious condition that impacts 9 percent people. It is a disorder that can last for any length of time. The following are known to be associated with the disorder:

• Stress
• Psychiatric conditions
• Smaller sleep problems/disorders
• Drugs
• Interaction of Medication

When suffers with insomnia everyday life may change. This is because one generally feels a lot weaker. Accidents are most likely to occur because of being tired and not being able to focus on daily work. Around seventy percent people suffering with insomnia improve their condition after having been treated.

Parasomnia

This is a condition that includes various disruptive conditions associated with sleep. Some of these are as follows:

• Walking while sleeping
• Pavor Nnocturnes
• Severe Nightmares
• Seizures or varying intensities
• Violent movement during sleep
• Rapid Eye Movement (REM) disorder

In some cases when one moves too vigorously s/he may be injured. There may also be a tendency to eat excessively and disturb people around. This condition can be easily detected and treated too.