Snoring | Sleep Apnea | Insomnia | Narcolepsy | Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) | Parasomnias

Snoring
Snoring is both a social and a medical problem, which affects approximately 45 percent of normal adults in the United States alone. It can be disruptive to family life, frequently forcing partners to sleep separately. Snorers tend to have poor quality sleep and thus are prone to reduced daytime alertness. In its most severe form, snoring can be an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea.

Snoring is more frequent in males and overweight persons and usually grows worse with age. Snoring sounds are caused when there is an obstruction to the free flow of air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose.

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Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is defined as the cessation of breath during sleep. There are three different types of apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Of these three, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common, and most severe. People with a severe case of sleep apnea may cease breathing hundreds of times during sleep. OSA can afflict all age groups, men and women alike, though most common in overweight men. An estimated 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, and approximately 38,000 people die annually from resulting complications. Loud, habitual snoring, waking up with headaches, and daytime sleepiness are some of the main symptoms. Effective diagnosis and treatment is available.

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Insomnia
The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep is called insomnia. Insomnia, in its chronic form, can last for weeks, months, or even years. It may be related to worry, anxiety, depression, medical/psychiatric problems, or substance abuse. Insomnia is a symptom and in order to treat it, physicians must find the cause. Most insomnia sufferers sleep better after the appropriate evaluation and treatment.

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Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that involves the body's central nervous system and is characterized by attacks of sleep. A person with narcolepsy is likely to fall asleep at inappropriate times and places. Daytime sleep attacks may occur with or without warning and can occur repeatedly in a single day. Nighttime sleep may be fragmented with frequent arousals. While there is not yet a cure, recent technology and pharmacology has allowed those with this sleep disorder to live normal lives.

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Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
RLS is a "creepy, crawly" feeling in the legs when they are still, especially at bedtime. Stretching or moving the legs temporarily relieves these feelings. The constant need to stretch or move the legs to rid of the uncomfortable sensations often prevents the person from falling asleep, resulting in daytime sleepiness. Roughly 5 to 10% of people experience the pain of RLS at some point in their lives. RLS can occur at any age but is more common in the elderly. Approximately 30% of RLS cases have a hereditary case. Effective diagnosis and treatment is available.

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Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
PLMD refers to involuntary movements of the legs and arms during sleep. These movements cause arousals and sleep disturbances. PLMD is more common in people who have kidney disease or narcolepsy. Individuals with PLMD may also experience Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).

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Parasomnias
Parasomnia refers to a variety of disruptive sleep-related events that disrupt one's sleep and can lead to injury or disturbance of oneself or others in the bed or house. Parasomnias can often be effectively diagnosed and treated.

Parasomnias include:

• Sleepwalking - Sleepwalking seems to be a temporary sleep mechanism malfunction that occurs during deeper stages of sleep and tends to run in families. Sleepwalking affects mostly children and tends to go away after puberty. People who sleepwalk do not remember their nocturnal walk the next day.
• Sleep talking - Sleep talking is generally harmless and usually temporary, brought on by illness or stress. The sleeper has no memory of sleep talking. Sleep talking can sometimes be associated with sleep apnea or night terrors.
• Night terrors - Night terrors are more common in children and typically do not continue into adulthood. Night terrors are marked by a sudden awakening with physical behaviors associated with intense fear and last about 15 minutes after which the person goes back to sleep.
• REM movement disorder - In this type of disorder, the paralysis that normally occurs during REM sleep is incomplete or absent, allowing the sleeper to act out their dreams. This disorder is most common in men and can lead to violent behavior or injuries.

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