There are several categories of sleep disorders. Below we have outlined two of the most common sleep disorders - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Narcolepsy.
There are many types of sleep disorders - the most common one is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Some people may have problems staying awake. They may fall asleep watching television, reading, working and even driving.
The narrowing of the airway may cause snoring, snorting, coughing or choking. Sometimes the airway becomes completely blocked, preventing breathing.
Patients with OSA may have problems with excessive daytime sleepiness and the inability to sleep well at night.
The individual with OSA is usually not aware of their loud snoring and breathing irregularities during sleep. These irregularities often causes the frequent awakenings. This leaves the patient tired the following day.
A family member may be more aware of the problem and is often the first to bring the problem to the attention of the physician.
OSA is a surprisingly common sleep disorder than can progress in severity and become life-threatening if not diagnosed and properly treated.
A routine medical examination may not reveal the main symptoms of OSA because patient's oxygen saturation and respiration remains normal while awake. If you suffer from a problem staying awake, or falling asleep at inappropriate times, please call or come by and visit our sleep center...
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Narcolepsy is a serious, lifelong and potentially disabling disorder. Symptoms may be first noticed in the early teens, but can occur anytime in life. There is no sexual predominance. Narcoleptics fall asleep while eating, reading, driving and talking.
This has a crippling effect on learning, memory and motivation. The patient will enter the dream state immediately upon falling asleep.
They may also exhibit signs of cataplexy. Cataplexy is the sudden loss of muscle tone and often collapse. Consciousness remains intact and the memory is clear, but the person is unable to move despite the desire to do so. This is usually provoked by an emotion such as anger, laughter or fear.
People with narcolepsy may also have hypnagogic hallucinations, or very vivid dreams. Sensations of talking, touching and visual contact feel real.
Signs of sleep paralysis may also be present in the narcoleptic patient. In sleep paralysis, the mind is alert and the person is aware of their surroundings, but they are unable to move upon awaking.
Narcolepsy is thought to be a central nervous system defect. There is no known cure for narcolepsy but it is controlled with medications.
If you or a loved one suffers from any of these symptoms, contact your physician, or give us a call...
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