Molly zzz's Sleep Disorders FAQ
This Sleep Disorders FAQ has been compiled from questions commonly asked by those looking for sleep disorders information. I recommend that visitors use this FAQ as an aid to discussing their personal health concerns with their doctors. While I believe the following information to be true and correct, this Sleep Disorders FAQ is designed to be used only as a complement to any professional medical advice that you receive.
If this page helps you to understand a little more about PLMD and other sleep disorders, and helps you to discuss your medical care with your doctor in a knowledgeable way, then it has served its purpose.
Frequently Asked Sleep Disorders Questions
1. Q. What are the main types of sleep disorders?
A. The main types of sleep disorders include -
1. circadian rhythm disorders such as delayed or advanced sleep phase syndrome. These disorders involve problems with waking or falling asleep later or earlier than is appropriate for one's normal lifestyle and routine.
2. parasomnias which include sleep walking, night terrors, confusional arousals, REM behavior disorder, nightmares, tooth grinding (bruxism), bedwetting (enuresis) and narcolepsy (inability to stay awake during regular daily activities).
3. movement disorders like restless legs syndrome or 'RLS' (sensations in the legs cause stretching or flexing of the legs while trying to get to sleep), and periodic limb movement disorder or 'PLMD', also called periodic limb movements in sleep/syndrome - PLMS, or periodic limb movements - PLM, ( twitching or jerking of the limbs after falling asleep).
[Nocturnal myclonus is a term apparently seldom used when referring to this disorder today]
4. sleep apnea, which is the interruption of normal breathing during sleep.
5. snoring (may have a physical cause which can be corrected with appropriate treatment). Be wary of quick solutions sold as 'snore relief' aids, until you check with your doctor. A small number of snorers have sleep apnea and these products may not be appropriate to use.
2. Q. What may cause someone to have a sleep disorder?
A. 1.) Insomnia might be caused by
a. migraine headache
b. stimulants such as caffeine (is or may be present in soda, chocolate, coffee), tea or nicotine
c. alcohol
d.depression, stress or anxiety
e. behavior patterns - too concerned with falling asleep, daytime napping, conditioning to remain awake (such as waiting for the baby to wake and start crying)
f. an existing sleep disorder like RLS
g. medical conditions such as a specific illness, pain or discomfort
h. exercise close to bedtime
i. some medications
Circadian disorders may be caused by
a. shift work
b. time zone changes
Delayed or advanced sleep phase syndrome causes are unknown. The biological clock seems to be faulty
2.) parasomnias such as sleep walking, bedwetting, night terrors or nightmares, and tooth grinding may be caused by
a. heredity, genetics ( sleep walking often occurs in several family members)
b. stress
c. physical illness (such as bladder dysfunction in relation to bedwetting)
d. mental illness (such as obsessional personality disorder or suppressed, unexpressed anger)
e. sugary foods near bedtime (nightmares)
f. medications ( nightmares)
g. alcohol (tooth grinding)
h. uneven dental surfaces (tooth grinding)
Narcolepsy may be caused by
a. heredity
b. viral infection
c. head injury
d. a disorder in REM sleep
3.) movement disorders such as restless leg syndrome and PLMD might be caused by
a. heredity
b. medications
c. pregnancy
d. exercise
e. medical conditions (anemia, diabetes, renal failure, and certain neurological disorders)
f. stimulants such as caffeine, chocolate or nicotine
g. muscle fatigue
My husband has been diagnosed, but the cause of his PLMD is unknown.
4.) sleep apnea is of 2 types
a. obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the throat muscles relax during sleep to such an extent that breathing occasionally stops. Causes include nasal polyps, a deviated septum, an upper airway abnormality of some other type.
b. central sleep apnea is a condition where the muscles involved in breathing are not properly controlled by the brain.
Upper airway resistance syndrome is a disorder in which airflow is reduced during sleep.
5.) Snoring may sometimes be caused by the factors listed for sleep apnea.
3. Q. How is a sleep disorder diagnosed?
A. A sleep disorder diagnosis is reached by
a. physical exam
b. family history
c. symptoms
Migraine or cluster headaches, extreme tiredness, falling asleep during the daytime, pain in the jaw area or ear (tooth grinding) are some symptoms that could indicate a sleep disorder.
d. sleep study
4. Q. What is a sleep study?
A. A sleep study is done at a sleep center or sleep disorders clinic, and involves an overnight stay in a private room. Several wires are taped to the arms, legs, head, back and chest and a sensor is taped to the index finger. These wires are connected to equipment which is monitored from another room. The equipment measures brain waves, EEG, muscle movements, breathing rate and so on.My husband worried that he might not be able to fall asleep during his appointment, but he slept enough that his sleep patterns could be monitored. A diagnosis of periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) and very mild sleep apnea was made and a treatment plan was set up.
The procedure is completely painless, and there is no invasion of privacy.
5. Q. Is there anything that might make a sleep apnea condition worse?
A. Some factors that may aggravate sleep apnea include
a. obesity
b. medications including tranquillizers
c. other CNS depressants (such as alcohol)
d. sleeping position
e. medical conditions (such as those of the lungs or heart)
6. Q. Does someone with Seasonal Affective Disorder ever experience sleep problems?
A. Yes, there are some disorders, including SAD, that may affect or cause changes in usual sleep patterns.
7. Q. I have painful cramps in my legs when in bed at night. Is this a sleep disorder?
A. Leg cramps are usually due to pain in the muscles of the legs, so this is not a sleep disorder. The pain can probably be alleviated by stretching exercises. You may want to discuss this with your doctor. (A very few people may have low calcium, potassium or sodium levels or even renal failure, but for most of us this is not the case.) Restless legs syndrome includes the need to move the legs while awake, and a creepy, crawly feeling in the the legs is a frequent symptom.
8. Q. I have just been diagnosed as hypothyroid. I'm always tired, and I even fall asleep during the day, when I want to stay awake! Is it possible that I could also have a sleep disorder?
A. Hypothyroid symptoms include lack of energy and feeling very tired, but apparently sleep apnea sometimes does occur in hypothyroid people. Discuss this with your doctor if it concerns you.
Also - levothyroxine (Synthroid and other brands of thyroid hormone replacement) can take a few weeks to have an effect on hypothyroid symptoms, so you may feel less tired after taking the medication for awhile.
If you have an interest in thyroid conditions, especially goiter, thyroid cyst or hyperthyroid disorders visit my Molly b.'s Thyroid Pages area
A thyroid related note: apparently beta blockers such as Propranolol (prescribed for some medical conditions, including hyperthyroidism - especially Graves' Disease) may cause nightmares.
Not thyroid related: Low sugar levels may cause drowsiness. A meal consisting of protein along with problem-causing carbohydrates may help to alleviate this condition.
9. Q. What treatments are there for a sleep disorder?
A. Depending upon the diagnosis, and the specific sleep disorder, treatment may involve one or more of the following
1. medication (sleeping pills, antidepressants)
2. appliances (for sleep apnea, bruxism)
3. changes in routine (a regular schedule for sleeping and waking)
4. changes in diet (reducing intake of alcohol and caffeine and other stimulants)
5. avoidance of stress
6. a regular exercise program (not too close to bedtime!)
7. weight reduction
8. psychotherapy
9. light therapy (for SAD)
10. surgery (for sleep apnea)
10. Q. Do you have any personal tips for a good sleep?
A. Several years ago, I needed to take sleeping pills for awhile. The doctor suggested that I drink a glass of milk with the sleeping pill. He explained that I would associate the glass of milk with going to sleep, and eventually not need a sleeping pill at all. It worked, and I've rarely needed sleeping pills since.
[I've read that milk contains tryptophan, which can cause drowsiness. I am not a believer in 'natural' or 'alternative' remedies except for serious illnesses that cannot yet be cured by modern day medicine/science. This sleeping aid is one of the few natural remedies I personally recommend]
Some people are prone to having nightmares if they eat foods containing sugar within a couple of hours before going to sleep. (I am). I believe this has something to do with rapidly falling blood sugar levels. Sugary foods may cause this problem in a completely healthy person - these occurances do not indicate that someone has hypoglycemia or diabetes.
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