A sleep disorder (somnipathy) is a medical disorder of the sleep patterns of a person or animal. Some sleep disorders are serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental and emotional functioning. A test commonly ordered for some sleep disorders is the polysomnogram.

Causes Of Sleep Disorders

Changes in life style, such as shift work change (SWC), can contribute to sleep disorders.

Other problems that can affect sleep:

Anxiety, Back pain, Chronic pain, Sciatica

Night Shift Work

The body has an internal system of signals in the brain that controls normal physical and mental function during the course of a 24-hour day (called the biological clock). For example, the biological clock responds to external cues like sunshine and darkness and controls when a person sleeps (or feels sleepy).

When the oxygen drops to dangerous levels, it triggers your brain to disturb your sleep. This helps tighten the upper airway muscles and open your windpipe. Normal breaths then start again, often with a loud snort or choking sound.

Sleep disorder symptoms

Have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, such as when watching television or reading?

Have difficulty paying attention or concentrating at work, school, or home?

Require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going?

What are the treatments for sleep Disorders

The non-surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea are similar to the non-surgical treatments for snoring with a few differences. Treatments include:

Behavioral changes

Behavioral changes are the simplest treatments for mild obstructive sleep apnea, but often the hardest to make. Occasionally, apneas occur only in some positions (most commonly lying flat on the back). A person can change his or her sleeping position, reduce apneas, and improve their sleep.

Medications

Many medications have been studied for obstructive sleep apnea; however, because obstructive sleep apnea is due to an anatomic airway narrowing, it has been difficult to find a medication that will help. In people with nasal airway obstruction causing obstructive sleep apnea, nasal steroid sprays have been shown to be effective. In one study, the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) decreased from 20 to 11 with nasal sprays.

Topical nasal decongestants, like oxymetalizone and neosynephrine, also can temporarily improve nasal swelling. The problem is that they cannot be used for more than 3-5 days without decreased effectiveness and withdrawal symptoms.

Dental appliances

A dental appliance holds the jaw and tongue forward and holds the palate up thus preventing closure of the airway. This small increase in airway size often is enough to control the apneas. Dental appliances are an excellent treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It is reported to be about 75% effective for these groups. A dental appliance does not require surgery; it is small, portable, and does not require a machine.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is probably the best, non-surgical treatment for any level of obstructive sleep apnea. In finding a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, the primary goal is to hold the airway open so it does not collapse during sleep. The dental appliances and surgeries (described later) focus on moving the tissues of the airway.

Devices also are available that a person can wear during sleep. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine can be used to apply pressure to the upper airway, preventing obstruction and keeping the airway open. Patients wear a small mask connected to the machine that provides pressure while they are sleeping.

Exercising (which should be completed at least 2 hours before bedtime).

Keeping regular sleeping hours.

Have the person sleep in a bedroom on the ground floor if possible, especially for people who leave the bed during an episode.

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