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Sleep apnea: Is a serious sleep disorder that occurs
when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep.
People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly
during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the
night. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and
central. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the more common of
the two. It is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually
when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses
during sleep. In central
sleep apnea, the airway is not
blocked but the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe
due to instability in the respiratory control center. This
type is called central apnea because it is related to the
function of the central nervous system.
Narcolepsy: is a neurological disorder of sleep
regulation that affects the control of sleep and
wakefulness. People with narcolepsy experience excessive
daytime
sleepiness and intermittent, uncontrollable episodes
of falling asleep during the daytime. These sudden sleep
attacks may occur during any type of activity at any time of
the day. Narcolepsy usually begins between the ages of 15
and 25, but it can become apparent at any age. In many
cases, narcolepsy is undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated.
Sleep Disorder Treatments
Sleep disorder treatments help reduce symptoms associated
with many types of sleep disorders. Simple lifestyle changes
alone are often enough to significantly reduce or eliminate
sleep disorder symptoms.
Medications, a variety of medications may be used to treat
sleep disorders. They may include over-the-counter or
prescription formulations.
Relaxation therapies. Various techniques are available that
can help patients to experience a greater sense of
relaxation (e.g., meditation), which may improve sleep.
Psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy. These forms of
therapy may lessen a patient’s
stress and anxiety, and
reduce symptoms of sleep disorders.
Breathing devices. Patients with sleep apnea may require a
form of mechanical breathing aid known as continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Surgery. Surgery to remove excess throat tissue may
sometimes relieve symptoms associated with
sleep apnea. |
