OverviewA sleep disorder is a condition that abnormally affects the quality, duration, or behavior of a person's sleep.
What is going on in the body?Sleep disorders fall into three general categories:
• primary sleep disorders
• disorders secondary to a mental disorder
• other sleep disorders, which are related to a medical condition or substance abuse
Primary sleep disorders are caused by some sort of internal disturbance in the sleep-wake cycle. They are categorized as dyssomnias or parasomnias. Dyssomnias involve abnormalities in the amount, quality, or timing of sleep. Common dyssomnias include:
• circadian rhythm sleep disorder, which involves a resetting of the body's sleep clock
• hypersomnia, which is sleeping too much and sleeping at the wrong times
• narcolepsy, which involves a sudden, overwhelming need to sleep at all times of the day
• primary insomnia, which is trouble falling or staying asleep
• sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops during sleep
Parasomnias involve unusual behaviors or body events associated with sleep. These include:
• nightmare disorders, which involve frightening dreams
• sleep terrors, which involve abrupt awakening and intense fear
Sleep disorders may also be part of a mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Other sleep disorders may be caused by medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances. They may be caused by abuse of substances, such as cocaine or alcohol.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?Each sleep disorder has its own characteristic symptoms.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Each sleep disorder has its own causes and risk factors. However, the following things worsen most sleep disorders: alcoholchanges in the sleep schedulechronic illness or paindepression and anxietydrugs, such as caffeine, nicotine, and cocaineexcessive daytime nappingmedicines, such as stimulants, cold medicines, and sleep medicinesa poor sleep environmentevening or night shift workstress
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Good sleep habits can prevent many cases from developing. Here are some recommendations from sleep experts. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other drugs, especially after dinner.Avoid excessive daytime naps. A person should take only one nap a day, if any, and the nap should be less than 1 hour.Do not go to bed unless you are tired.Have a comfortable, dark, quiet sleeping environment.Use the bed only for sex and sleep.Wake up at the same time every morning.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a sleep disorder begins with a medical history and physical exam. If an underlying medical condition is suspected, further tests such as blood tests may need to be done.
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HEALTH CENTERS
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