Sleep Disorders

Course overview

Three of the most common sleep disorders are narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. Narcolepsy is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by airway collapse that cause greatly decreased or absent breathing. Restless legs syndrome is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs during sleep. These conditions lead to insomnia, the chronic inability to fall asleep and to stay asleep, and patients who suffer from insomnia may feel a lack of rejuvenation and daytime tiredness. Sleep disorders can cause significant medical and psychological health conditions. The basic treatment for all three is good sleep hygiene. Medications may provide relief from the signs and symptoms. The use of a CPAP machine and other oral devices may also alleviate insomnia due to sleep apnea. A case study is discussed that illustrates the benefit of good sleep hygiene and CPAP for a male diagnosed with sleep apnea.