By: Joann Bally CSCS
Sleep disorders are so common most of us have probably experienced one at some time. They are also common enough to constitute a major public health problem. We look at insomnia in a separate article, and describe several other disorders below. All of these can be treated with relaxation exercises and lifestyle changes (see our tips), as well as the treatment noted. If you have any of these conditions, you should see your doctor, and possibly get a referral to a sleep specialist. Don’t be shy about discussing it; your doctor may have had trouble with one of these herself.
Parasomnias are visual, motor, or hallucinatory sleep behaviors. Some are REM parasomnias. Your muscles are supposed to shut down during REM sleep so you don’t act out your dreams. Automatic movements while asleep are normal in children age 2-5, but not in adults. These are things like sitting up, rocking, banging the head, etc. This may not always be a big problem, but some people flail around violently and may injure themselves or their sleeping partner, or get up and break furniture while still asleep. This is dangerous and should be treated.
Sleepwalking is a familiar parasomnia. Sleepwalkers may get up and make themselves a sandwich and eat it while asleep, or even drive a car. This is clearly dangerous. It may be treated with drugs, or drugs you are taking for something else may be the cause.
Somniloquy is talking in your sleep. It can be treated if it bothers others.
Narcolepsy is the condition when you fall asleep during the day for no apparent reason. This is a quality of life problem. There is medicine that can help.
Bruxism is teeth grinding while asleep. This can be 20 times the force you could use while awake! It wears down your teeth, and you may not know about it until your dentist tells you. A dental appliance, like a mouth guard, is often prescribed.
Sleep apnea is among the most commonly treated sleep disorders. This is where you actually stop breathing many times during the night, and it can be dangerous. Treatment includes weight loss, change of sleeping position, and if necessary a special mask worn at night. Get checked out if you think you have it.
Some sleep disorders may seem strange, but rest assured, if you have one, other people have it too. They are more common than you think. If a sleep disorder persists or is dangerous, get treatment.
Read through Sleeping tips, news and more articles
|
|
|
|
|
HEALTHandFITNESS.com 
