Sleep disorders are conditions that prevent a person from getting restful sleep and, as a result, can cause daytime sleepiness and dysfunction. There are as many as eighty different types of sleep disorders that have been identified and classified. Overall, about 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder.

Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times per night. When a person stops breathing, their vital organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, etc. are deprived of the life-sustaining oxygen they need to function properly. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, uncontrolled diabetes and even stroke.

Symptoms: chronic snoring, waking up gasping, excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, sexual dysfunction, depression, morning headaches, frequent trips to the bathroom at night.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder which causes tingling, pulling, creeping, and sometimes painful sensations in the legs at night. This sensation is thought to be brought on by resting such as lying down in bed or sitting for prolonged periods (e.g. while driving or sitting in a theatre). RLS typically occurs in the evening, making it difficult for sufferers of RLS to fall asleep. Often, people with RLS take walks and shake their legs in an effort to relieve this uncomfortable sensation.

Symptoms: uncomfortable feelings in legs during periods of inactivity, jerking of legs that increases in the evening and relieved by movement

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s control of sleep and wakefulness. People with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness and intermittent, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime. Referred to as ‘sleep attacks’ these sudden sleep episodes may occur during any type of activity and at any time of the day and are not related to how much sleep a person has had the night before. Narcolepsy usually begins between the ages of 15 and 25, but it can become apparent at any age.

Symptoms: excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness, disturbed nocturnal sleep, hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, restlessness, nightmares

Insomnia varies in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. Insomnia can be short-term (acute insomnia) or can last a long time (chronic insomnia). It can also come and go, with periods of time when a person has no sleep problems. Acute insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks. Insomnia is called chronic when a person has insomnia at least three nights a week for a month or longer.

Symptoms: difficulty falling asleep, waking up often during the night with difficulty going back to sleep, waking up too early in the morning, non-restful sleep, fatigue, sleepiness, problems with mood or concentration

Often confused with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) the primary difference between Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and Restless Leg syndrome is the presence of sleep. PLMD occurs after a person has fallen asleep, while RLS occurs before going to sleep and may prevent a person from falling asleep.

Symptoms: irritation or uncomfortable sensation in limbs with relief in movement, mostly noticed by bed partner since the movements may awaken them.

It’s important to know that some illnesses and even routine medications you are taking can cause disturbed sleep. Be sure to tell your physician about all the medications you are taking, including the over-the-counter and herbal ones.
If your doctor suspects that you have a sleep disorder, he or she may refer you to a sleep disorder clinic for overnight diagnostic testing.

Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices are the gold standard for obstructive sleep apnea treatment. These machines are non-invasive solutions to prevent the upper airway collapses of OSA. With a PAP machine, pressurized air from the room is pumped through a hose to a mask placed over your nose. The type of PAP machine and pressure setting needed is determined with an overnight sleep test.

Surgery is often effective in treating snoring. It is less effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea. OSA is caused by an obstructed airway. As there are several anatomical sites where airway obstruction may exist, there are several types of surgical interventions currently used to treat sleep apnea. These include:

• Nasal Surgery
• Pillar Procedure
• UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)
• Genioglossus Advancement
• Uvulopalatal Flap
• Hyoid Advancement
• Pharynogoplasty
• Maxillomandibular Advancement
• Laser Assisted UPPP
• Maxillomandibular Expansion
• Tracheostomy
• Temp-Controlled Radiofrequency Tongue Base Reduction

Oral appliances (dental devices) for treatment of snoring and/or OSA, may be an option for patients who cannot tolerate traditional PAP therapy (CPAP, etc.). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances for patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea who are not appropriate candidates for CPAP or who have not been helped by it. (Note: PAP therapy should be used for patients with severe sleep apnea whenever possible.) Several different types of oral appliances are available. A trained dental professional such as a dentist or orthodontist should fit these devices.

For patients with Narcolepsy, Insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome, and Periodic Limb Movement speak with your physician regarding medication that can be beneficial in treatment for these sleep disorders.

Good sleep hygiene is important for anyone with a sleep disorder to adhere to. By following these habits regularly, patients can have positive effects on sleep before, during and after time spent in bed.

• Maintain a regular arise time, even on weekends
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and strenuous exercise within six hours of bedtime
• Make the bedroom quiet, dark and cool
• Use the bed only for sleep and intimacy
• Avoid napping during the daytime
• Do not go to bed hungry but do not eat a large meal near bedtime either

Simple lifestyle changes often have the capability of positively effecting sleep disorders. By losing weight, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking or exercising regularly, many sleep disorders can be reduced or sometimes even eliminated.