Sleeping well » Narcolepsy http://www.betterrestbetterliving.com/sleeping-well Sat, 17 Sep 2011 02:32:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 What is Narcolepsy? http://www.betterrestbetterliving.com/sleeping-well/what-is-narcolepsy/ http://www.betterrestbetterliving.com/sleeping-well/what-is-narcolepsy/#comments Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:24:49 +0000 admin http://www.betterrestbetterliving.com/sleeping-well/?p=100 Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness EDS and falling asleep without warning. Cataplexy is also a symptom which causes the loss of muscle tone and possibly brief periods of paralysis. This can be a serious illness if the narcolepsy sufferer falls asleep while driving or other activities that requires full attention. The actual cause of narcolepsy is unknown but it is considered to be a neurological and sleep disorder problem.

Although there is no cure for narcolepsy a drug called modafinil has been approved by the FDA. Antidepressants are also prescribed along with behavioral modifications. Regular sleep habits and scheduled naps are suggested for narcolepsy patients. Medication and behavioral changes help patients with the most severe symptoms such as EDS and cataplexy but they don’t cure the narcolepsy.

Some patients over sixty see a decrease in the narcolepsy as they get older.

]]> http://www.betterrestbetterliving.com/sleeping-well/what-is-narcolepsy/feed/ 0 Sleep Disorders http://www.betterrestbetterliving.com/sleeping-well/sleep-disorders/ http://www.betterrestbetterliving.com/sleeping-well/sleep-disorders/#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:49:29 +0000 admin http://www.betterrestbetterliving.com/sleeping-well/?p=43 Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people through out the world. Sleep apnea occurs when there is blockage in the airway in the throat. That blockage may come from an enlarged tongue or excess tissue inside the mouth. Narrow throats are also a cause of sleep apnea. This blockage forces the sleep apnea sufferer to wake over and over again each night because the blockage prevents breathing.  There are cures to sleep apnea with the most popular being is the cpap machine. CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure, provides relief, forces air through a hose and then into a mask worn over the face. This air keeps the airway open.  Not everyone is comfortable with the cpap mask so there is also a dental device that keeps the jaw and the airway open. And as a last resort surgery to open the airways can also be used.

Insomnia is being unable to fall asleep and being unable to remain asleep. The quality of sleep is more important than the quantity of sleep regarding insomnia. There are three basic type of insomnia. Transient lasts a week. Short term lasts about 3 weeks and chronic insomnia is anything longer than that. Insomnia is usually caused by psychological problems such as anxiety, stress and depression. It can also be caused by medical condition such as high blood pressure and hormonal changes. Cognitive Behavior treatment is considered one of the best ways to cure insomnia. Sleeping pills may help in the short term but they don’t fix the underlying problems.

Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes a peculiar sensation on the legs which in turn causes the need to move the legs uncontrollable. The cause of RLS is unknown but some connect it to low iron or anemia or reaction to medications. There is no cure for this disorder.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is connected to EDS (excessive daytime sleepiness). Narcolepsy sufferers will often fall asleep during the day at any time and any place. This condition may be caused by genetics. Medication and therapy are used to treat this disorder.

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