Examples of Sleep Disorders

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  Snoring can be a signal that something is seriously wrong with the breathing process during sleep. Habitual snoring can be an indicator of a potentially life-threatening condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. Due to an obstructed airway, a person who has sleep apnea may stop breathing hundreds of times during the night.
  
• Restless Leg Syndrome
  Restless Leg Syndrome is an inability to get comfortable due to restlessness associated with leg discomfort. This discomfort can interfere with falling asleep and is often accompanied by periodic limb and leg movements. Sufferers are unaware of this activity which disrupts the continuity of sleep and results in poor sleep quality.
  
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
  Disturbed nights may make it a strain to stay awake during the day and often disrupt work and personal life. Profound daytime sleepiness may be accompanied by morning headaches, high blood pressure and/or depression.
  
• Narcolepsy
  This condition is marked by uncontrollable desire for sleep or by sudden attacks of sleep at inappropriate times, and is caused by abnormal brain control of waking and sleeping periods. Also called sleep epilepsy , vivid nightmares as well as involuntary excess or cessation of muscle movement may occur upon falling asleep or awakening.
  
• Parasomnias
  People suffering from parasomnias do not respond to any stimuli except that of a reflex nature. Sleepwalking, sleep talking and nightmares are common during this state. These conditions are particularly common in children.
  
• Sleep/Wake Schedule Disturbances
  Irregular waking and sleeping patterns can throw off the human "internal clock" and prevent sufferers from feeling refreshed after sleeping. A sleep disorders physician can supervise the implementation of techniques to help develop a consistent sleep schedule.

For more information on the Sleep Center at Baptist, call (865) 632-5627.