Sleep Disorders: Valuable Information on Insomnia,
Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy & More

Living with Sleep Disorders, such as Insomnia or Sleep Apnea, is often a frustrating and exhausting condition to deal with. Sleep is a time when our body relaxes and repairs itself. The lack of restorative sleep (sleep deprivation) can impact a person’s work, ability to operate a vehicle, and social activities, not to mention imparting a negative effect upon one’s physical and mental wellbeing. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes estimates that more than 40 million American Adults experience some form of Sleep Disorder each year.

The National Sleep Foundation survey consistently shows that 50% of American adults experience insomnia several times a week. A Sleep Disorder is categorized as any difficulty with sleep such as: sleep deprivation, difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive sleeping, and not feeling refreshed upon waking from a full night’s rest. Sleep Disorders can develop due to a multitude of present habits or conditions such as: the use of excessive caffeine or alcohol, stress, a mood disorder (anxiety or depression), some pharmaceutical medications, illness, obesity, smoking, non-conducive sleeping environment, and an inconsistent sleeping pattern.

Put Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy
& Restless Leg Syndrome to Bed

There are more than 100 types of Sleep Disorders in existence. Some of the more common Sleep Disorders are: Insomnia, Narcolepsy, Sleep Apnea, and Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder.

The lack of high-quality sleep is the primary definition of Insomnia. Insomnia can be either a short-term or chronic condition that often requires some form of treatment to assist in falling or staying asleep for the recommended eight hours. Narcolepsy is a condition of your central nervous system’s inability to regulate sleep, which can cause potentially dangerous situations due to the uncontrollable sleep episodes. Sleep Apnea is a breathing condition that interrupts a normal sleeping pattern. This is often indicated by snoring, gasping, gagging, or choking during sleep.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder are both physical ailments. RLS is a neurological condition that can cause an overwhelming sense to keep your legs moving, which can also be present when you are awake. This most often occurs when you are trying to relax. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder is when your legs or feet experience a jerking action that causes a disruption in your sleep.

The most common sleep disorder treatment is medicinal, either with pharmaceuticals or homeopathic medications. The pharmaceutical treatments can contain barbiturates that are possibly habit-forming. To avoid pharmaceuticals, here are some behavioral tips on how to obtain a great night’s sleep: