Narcolepsy is not rare, but it is an underrecognized and underdiagnosed condition. The disorder is estimated to affect about one in every 2,000 Americans. But the exact prevalence rate remains uncerntain, and the disorder may affect a larger segment of the population. Narcolepsy appears throughout the world in every racial and ethnic group, affecting males [...]
Posts from ‘May, 2009’
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. At various times throughout the day, people with narcolepsy experience fleeting urges to sleep. If the urge becomes overwhelming, patients fall asleep for periods lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. In rare cases, some people may remain [...]
What can I do to sleep better?
* Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Do not take naps after 3 p.m. * Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day or at night. * Get regular exercise. Exercise during the day–make sure you exercise at least 5 [...]
How is insomnia treated?
If insomnia is caused by a short-term change in the sleep/wake schedule, as with jet lag, your sleep schedule may return to normal on its own. If your insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day, talk to your doctor. Treatment for chronic insomnia includes: * Finding and treating any medical conditions [...]
How is insomnia diagnosed?
If you think you have insomnia, talk to your doctor. It might be helpful to complete a sleep diary for a week or two, noting your sleep patterns, your daily routine, and how you feel during the day. Discuss the results of your sleep diary with your doctor. Your doctor may do a physical exam [...]
Women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia than men
Women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Some research suggests that certain social factors, such as being unemployed or divorced, are related to poor sleep and increase the risk of insomnia in women. Also, insomnia tends to increase with age. Sometimes perimenopausal (the time leading up to menopause) women have trouble [...]
Different types of insomnia and what causes them?
Insomnia can be: * Transient (short term) insomnia lasts from a single night to a few weeks. * Intermittent (on and off) insomnia is short term, which happens from time to time. * Chronic (on-going) insomnia occurs at least 3 nights a week over a month or more. Chronic insomnia is either primary or secondary: [...]
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is too little or poor-quality sleep caused by one or more of the following: * Trouble falling asleep * Waking up a lot during the night with trouble returning to sleep * Waking up too early in the morning * Having un-refreshing sleep (not feeling well rested), even after sleeping 7 to 8 hours [...]
People with narcolepsy have frequent “sleep attacks” at various times of the day
Narcolepsy affects an estimated 250,000 Americans. People with narcolepsy have frequent “sleep attacks” at various times of the day, even if they have had a normal amount of night-time sleep. These attacks last from several seconds to more than 30 minutes. People with narcolepsy also may experience cataplexy (loss of muscle control during emotional situations), [...]
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), a familial disorder causing unpleasant crawling, prickling, or tingling sensations in the legs and feet and an urge to move them for relief, is emerging as one of the most common sleep disorders, especially among older people. This disorder, which affects as many as 12 million Americans, leads to constant leg [...]