There are over 80 different types of sleep disorders, and more are being researched. While you should seek medical treatment if you suspect you have a sleep disorder, there are several simple ways to improve your sleep hygiene. Contact a sleep clinic to schedule an inlab sleep study or an at-home sleep test. For more information, read on. Despite the fact that it is difficult to sleep, you can do a few simple things to improve your sleep hygiene and prevent sleep disorders.
Parasomnia
Parasomnias are sleep problems characterized by erratic emotions, perceptions, and movements during sleep. The disorder typically occurs during the onset of sleep, between stages of sleep, and upon waking. Although parasomnias are generally harmless, they can be problematic if they affect the quality of sleep. To manage them, you should practice good sleep hygiene and create a safe environment for sleeping. To prevent parasomnias, avoid caffeine, exercise, and recreational drugs near bedtime.
REM sleep occurs when the brain moves during sleep. During a normal sleep cycle, the brain cycles through REM and NREM sleep. Parasomnias are symptoms of brain movement, and occur during either stage of sleep. Non-REM parasomnias occur during the first third of sleep, while REM sleep occurs at a later time. Patients with REM parasomnias can wake up partially during REM sleep, but they are not aware of their actions. Sleep-walking is a common example of this.
Narcolepsy
A detailed medical history, physical examination, and medication history are required to diagnose narcolepsy. A sleep study is also conducted. The test measures heart rate, oxygen level, breathing rate, eye movements, and brain waves during sleep. During the sleep study, the doctor can also rule out other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea. If the condition is confirmed, treatment is individualized to the individual’s specific needs.
Treatment for narcolepsy and sleep disorders includes lifestyle and medication changes. The primary goal of management is to improve alertness and reduce daytime sleepiness. There are several medications available to treat narcolepsy, and each one has its own mechanisms of action. The most common are melatonin and diazepam. A combination of medications may be effective. The medications are usually taken once daily and have varying degrees of side effects.
Non-24 sleep-wake disorder
Those suffering from Non-24 sleep-wake disorder experience periods of night-time sleepiness and excessive daytime sleepiness. They are often unable to keep a regular sleep-wake schedule and experience periods of excessive sleepiness during the day and periods of intense daytime sleepiness. Though they may seem normal for days or weeks, they can experience episodes of insomnia when their biological clock does not match the normal pattern. Often, this condition progresses from Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder to Non-24.
For people suffering from N24SWD, support groups can provide invaluable support. Sharing thoughts and experiences with others with similar symptoms can make you feel less isolated and help you cope. While managing social life can be difficult, you can ask for more flexible meeting times and suggest activities that fit into your schedule. You can also seek professional help for non-24 sleep-wake disorder. The Internet has many resources and support groups. There are even many online forums and help groups for people with this disorder.
Shift-work disorder
If you have been experiencing sleep problems related to shift work, you may have a sleep disorder called shift work disorder. Many people have trouble sleeping and have to work at night or rotate shifts. Symptoms of this disorder include insomnia, severe fatigue, and social and family problems. A doctor can help you diagnose the condition, and prescribe you medicine to stay awake and reduce the symptoms. During the day, make sure to avoid loud activities, such as televisions, and computers. Also, make sure you avoid the sun while sleeping.
Many professions are at risk for shift work disorder, including firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical responders. Even factory workers, office cleaning staff, and doctors are at risk. They spend irregular hours and cannot get a full night’s sleep. In addition, drowsy driving is a leading cause of vehicular accidents. In addition to increasing accident risk, shift work sleep disorder can worsen existing health conditions.