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COMMON SLEEP DISORDERS

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which your breathing temporarily stops during sleep due to the blockage of the upper airways. These pauses in breathing interrupt your sleep, leading to many awakenings each hour. While most people with sleep apnea do not remember these awakenings, they might feel exhausted during the day, irritable and depressed, or see a decrease in productivity.

Sleep apnea is a serious, and potentially life-threatening, sleep disorder. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, see a doctor right away. Sleep apnea can be successfully treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), a mask-like device that delivers a stream of air while you sleep. Losing weight, elevating the head of the bed, and sleeping on your side can also help in cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud, chronic snoring

  • Frequent pauses in breathing during sleep

  • Gasping, snorting, or choking during sleep

  • Feeling exhausted after waking and sleepy during the day, no matter how much time you spent in bed

  • Waking up with shortness of breath, chest pains, headaches, nasal congestion, or a dry throat

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that causes an almost irresistible urge to move your legs (or arms). The urge to move occurs when you’re resting or lying down and is usually due to uncomfortable, tingly, aching, or creeping sensations.

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Common signs and symptoms of restless legs syndrome include:

  • Uncomfortable sensations deep within the legs, accompanied by a strong urge to move them

  • The leg sensations are triggered by rest and get worse at night

  • The uncomfortable sensations temporarily get better when you move, stretch, or massage your legs.

  • Repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that involves excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. It is caused by a dysfunction of the brain mechanism that controls sleeping and waking. If you have narcolepsy, you may have “sleep attacks” while in the middle of talking, working, or even driving.

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Common signs and symptoms of narcolepsy include:

  • Seeing or hearing things when you’re drowsy or starting to dream before you’re fully asleep

  • Suddenly feeling weak or losing control of your muscles when you’re laughing, angry, or experiencing other strong emotions

  • Dreaming right away after going to sleep or having intense dreams

  • Feeling paralyzed and unable to move when you’re waking up or dozing off

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