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There are more than 84 classified sleep disorders that affect an estimated 60 million Americans. Many of these sleep disorders will go undiagnosed and untreated.
Some basic information about four of the most common sleep disorders:
Sleep Apnea
Snoring is more than just a social nuisance. It is the first indication of a more dangerous disorder called sleep apnea.
First described in 1965, sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by stoppages of breathing during sleep usually accompanied by loud, habitual snoring.
Nighttime sleep is disrupted by this cessation in breathing that can last for 10 seconds or longer, often leaving the individual sleepy during the day. Daytime
sleepiness isn't the only consequence of sleep apnea. It also may be associated with such life threatening illnesses as high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke.
Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups, but is more common in men. It has been estimated that as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. For more information about sleep
apnea, visit the American Sleep Apnea Association.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a disorder of unknown cause, which is characterized by constant excessive daytime sleepiness with a tendency to sleep at inappropriate times. Narcolepsy
affects the region of the central nervous system that regulates sleep and wakefulness, though severity of sleepiness varies in each individual. Narcolepsy is often
but not always accompanied by a sudden muscle weakness called cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations that occur just before or just after awakening. This disease
that first appears in adolescence is estimated to affect one in every 2,000 people. For more information about narcolepsy, visit the National Sleep
Foundation.
Insomnia
Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Most individuals will experience temporary insomnia at some time in their life. But for many others insomnia will develop into a chronic and long term disorder. Insomnia is a symptom
of another problem and can be triggered by psychological factors, lifestyle change or physical illness. For more information on insomnia and treatment options, visit the American Insomnia Association.
Restless Leg Syndrome & Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
These disorders affect the limbs as well as a person's ability to sleep at night and function normally in the day. Restless Leg Syndrome is a movement disorder characterized by a crawling sensation in the legs
prior to sleep. These sensations cause the person to move the afflicted body part for relief, often keeping them awake at night. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder is characterized by periodic episodes of repetitive
limb movements that occur during sleep. People with periodic limb movements are often not aware of these movements. Most people with restless leg syndrome will
also have periodic limb movements in sleep. For more information on these disorders, visit the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation.
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