Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Sleep Disorders
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
A sleep disorder is a condition that abnormally affects the quality, duration, or behavior of a person's sleep.
What is going on in the body?
Sleep disorders fall into three general categories:
Primary sleep disorders are caused by some sort of internal disturbance in the sleep-wake cycle. They are categorized as dyssomnias or parasomnias. Dyssomnias involve abnormalities in the amount, quality, or timing of sleep. Common dyssomnias include:
Parasomnias involve unusual behaviors or body events associated with sleep. These include:
Sleep disorders may also be part of a mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Other sleep disorders may be caused by medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances. They may be caused by abuse of substances, such as cocaine or alcohol.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Each sleep disorder has its own causes and risk factors. However, the following things worsen most sleep disorders:
People who are obese have an increased risk of sleep apnea. Narcolepsy and some other sleep disorders are thought to have a genetic component.
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Each sleep disorder has its own characteristic symptoms.
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a sleep disorder begins with a medical history and physical exam. If an underlying medical condition is suspected, further tests such as blood tests may need to be done.
A sleep study, called a polysomnogram, may be recommended. This test measures the following body functions during sleep:
A multiple sleep latency test measures the speed of falling asleep. An arterial blood gas test may also be performed to check levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Good sleep habits can prevent many cases from developing. Here are some recommendations from sleep experts.
Treatment of any underlying psychiatric condition may prevent some sleep problems from occurring. Weight management may prevent some cases of sleep apnea. Some sleep disorders cannot be prevented.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Sleep deprivation can lower a person's quality of life and increase the risk for accidents. Up to 50% of the individuals with sleep apnea have high blood pressure. They are also at increased risk for the following disorders:
What are the risks to others?
Sleep disorders are not contagious and pose no risk to others.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatments vary depending upon the specific sleep disorder. Sleep disorder clinics often help people return to normal sleep patterns. Sometimes, sleep disorders go away by themselves. Other times, medicines can be used. For example, sleeping pills, such as zolpidem, zaleplon, or temazepam, may be given for insomnia.
The treatment for sleep apnea involves weight loss for obese persons. The healthcare provider may also prescribe a CPAP machine, a special type of breathing machine used during sleep.
The treatment of narcolepsy involves the use of powerful stimulant drugs, such as dextroamphetamine, to keep people awake during the day. Other treatments are also used, depending on the disorder.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Some medicines used to treat sleep problems can be physically and psychologically addicting. They may cause daytime drowsiness.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
A sleep disorder may return if the person doesn't continue good sleep habits. If the sleep apnea is improved by weight loss, it's important that the individual keep the excess weight off. Some treatments, such as the use of a CPAP machine, are lifelong. The use of any sleeping medicines should usually only be for a few weeks or less. If the sleep disorder goes away, no further treatment is needed. Some sleep conditions, such as narcolepsy, may need ongoing treatment for prolonged periods of time.
How is the condition monitored?
A log can be kept to record how adjustments to lifestyle and medicines have affected a person's sleep. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Attribution
Author:Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:07/31/01
Reviewer:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed:07/11/01