What's keeping you awake?

Sleep disorders affect millions of Americans

More than 70 million Americans - up to one-third of the population - are affected by sleep disorders. There are more than 85 recognized sleep disorders, the most recognizable of which may be insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. These and others may manifest themselves in various ways.

Insomnia
Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder, is the feeling that you have not slept well or long enough. It occurs in many different forms. Most often it is characterized by difficulty falling asleep (taking more than 30 to 45 minutes), awakening frequently during the night, or waking up early and being unable to get back to sleep.

Apnea
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. Those who suffer from apnea suddenly stop breathing, for up to about 30 seconds, then begin to gasp for air, as if it were their last breath. This cycle repeats itself over and over, all night long. Many who suffer from this common sleep disorder are unaware that they stopped breathing several times throughout the night. They often wake with a dry mouth, a headache, and feeling hungover. They may also be sleepy during the day, have significant memory loss, concentration, attention, mood and other related problems.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Particularly around bedtime, about 15 percent of the population experience "pins and needles feelings," an "internal itch," or a "creeping, crawling sensation" in their legs, with a subsequent irresistible urge to relieve this discomfort by vigorously moving their legs. This movement totally relieves the discomfort. These symptoms are classic for restless leg syndrome. RLS makes if difficult to fall asleep and may also awakes those who suffer from this common sleeping disorder, forcing them to walk around to relieve the discomfort. Though not considered medically serious, symptoms of RLS can range from bothersome to having a severe impact the lives of the person suffering from this sleep disorder and his bed partner.

Most people with RLS also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), repetitive movements of the toe, foot, and sometimes knee and hip during sleep. They are often recognized as brief muscle twitches, jerking movements, or an upward flexing of the feet. As with sleep apnea, sufferers may be unaware that RLS and PLMD are sleep disorders that produce life-disrupting symptoms. It is often the bed partner that brings this to light, as movements awaken him or her throughout the night. It is important to note that RLS and PLMD are associated with several other medical conditions, including iron-deficiency anemia. So one should, as always, seek proper medical attention.

Narcolepsy
Falling asleep spontaneously may indicate the sleep disorder narcolepsy. Excessive daytime sleepiness - the overwhelming need to sleep when you prefer to be awake - is typically the first symptom. Narcolepsy is associated with cataplexy, a sudden weakness or paralysis often initiated by laughter or other intense feelings, sleep paralysis, an often frightening situation, where one is half awake yet cannot move, and hypnagogic hallucinations, intensely vivid and scary dreams occurring at the onset or end of sleep. One may also experience automatic behavior, in which one performs routine or boring tasks without full memory later.

Medications for sleep disorders
While physicians maintain that some prescription sleep medications have been proven highly effective and safe for treating sleep disorders, most carry with them a host of undesirable side effects, including dizziness, lightheadedness, daytime drowsiness, diarrhea and difficulty with coordination. Some other sleep aids such as melatonin and herbal remedies have gained popularity because they carry far fewer side effects for those who suffer with sleep disorders.