Sleep Disorders And Insomnia

Sleep disorders and insomnia

       The sleep is very essential and common for a healthy and normal function. Here are the three categories of sleep disorders: lack of sleep (insomnia), disturbed sleep (obstructive sleep apnea) and excessive sleep (narcolepsy).

       In the most cases the sleep disorders can be managed if they are properly diagnosed. Insomnia is the most common condition of sleep disorders. Insomnia occurs more at women and at the older people. The hours of sleep that a person needs to function well depends on some factors, including the age. Newborns sleep most of the day, about 16 hours, the adolescents need about 9 hours a day, and the grownups need from 7 to 8 hours a day.

       However, some adults need about as much sleep as the younger adults, but they usually sleep for short periods. Studies are shown that about 50% of the people over 65 have some type of sleep disorder. However, this does not yet clear if this happens due to a normal part of aging or is a result of some other factors, like medications that are very much used by the elderly. Falling asleep and waking up are controlled by a number of changes in the brain and in the blood. Some food and medicines can also affect the way we sleep. The caffeine that is found in coffee, tea, alcohol and even chocolate can cause insomnia. Antidepressants, alcohol and tobacco can also cause a loss of sleep.

       The sleep is characterized as a process in which the brain is very active. It is not yet very clear why the body needs to sleep, but the loss of sleep can have detrimental effects on health. The sleep is absolutely essential for a normal immune system function and can help you maintain the ability to fight against diseases and sicknesses. The sleep is also essential for the nervous system well function, and for the ability to function well physically and mentally also.

Types of sleep disorders

• Lack of sleep (insomnia)
  Insomnia means the inability to fall asleep. It is a very common sleep problem that many people experience occasionally. When insomnia occurs, people feel tired the majority of the time. Insomnia can disrupt daily life. Insomnia can result fro the following causes: diet, emotional problems, stress, underlying disease. The sleep deprivation also can damage the immune system.
• Disturbed sleep (obstructive sleep apnea)
  The sleep apnea interrupts the breathing during sleep. This condition, called the sleep apnea ends in loud snoring. Patients with sleep apnea suffer from interruption of sleep as 100 times a night. The lack of oxygen causes headaches in the morning and decreased mental function. The persons who suffer from sleep apnea have an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Excessive sleep (narcolepsy)
  Narcolepsy causes the patients to fall asleep in an uncontrollably way in the course of the day for less than a minute to more than 30 minutes. This kind of condition can happen anytime, even when the person is working. Narcolepsy is usual a genetic condition. This sleep disorder usually occurs at the ages of 15 and 30. Some of the people who suffer from narcolepsy experience increased asleep attacks during illness, fever, stressful period and even during pregnancy. Cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations are also symptoms of the narcolepsy.