Sleep disorder information and
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Sleep aid tips for sleep disorder information and remedies for your better sleep which may also cure any mild insomnia you may want natural sleep aid remedies for. Common Sleep Disorders Three sleep problems become more prevalent in the elderly: sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome (and periodic limb movements of sleep) and REM behavior disorder.
Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea refers to a breathing problem that can occur during sleep. In sleep, the muscles in the pharynx (the back of the throat) relax, allowing it to constrict. This partial collapse of the pharynx can sometimes lead to inadequate airflow. The body senses poor airflow and takes a deep breath, which leads to an arousal. These deep breaths and consequent arousals can occur 50-100 times an hour, severely disrupting sleep. Sleep Apnea is diagnosed by an overnight study of sleep and breathing patterns called a polysomnogram. While there are many treatments for sleep apnea, the most common utilizes a nasal CPAP – a machine that blows pressurized air in through the nose, helping people with this condition get adequate airflow to the lungs, allowing them to sleep well and feel refreshed. Important signs and symptoms of sleep apnea to watch for are: Snoring It is important to note that many people over the age of 70 may have sleep apnea without snoring. If your sleep is unrefreshing, it is important to ask your doctor whether you may have sleep apnea.
Restless Legs Syndrome Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is not often discussed, but is actually fairly common, occurring in 10-15% of the population. People with RLS complain of a discomfort in the legs (rarely the arms or chest) that is relieved only by walking. The feeling is often described as ants crawling on the skin.
This uncomfortable sensation only occurs when a person is not moving (either sitting still or lying down) and is always worse at night. Generally, people afflicted with RLS also notice that they unconsciously move their legs as well.
Sometimes they describe their legs as jumping on their own, or they notice that while sitting, they are constantly jiggling them. Since RLS occurs mostly at night while the body is at rest and is relieved by movement, falling asleep and staying asleep can become very difficult.
Even when RLS sufferers manage to fall asleep, they have frequent jerking of the limbs called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). Many elderly people develop PLMS – 34% of those over age 60 – even people who do not suffer from RLS and who have no other sleep complaints.
The number of people who have the symptoms of RLS increases with age, and some people who had mild symptoms when they were younger may find that the symptoms get much worse as they age.
There are many different medications available to treat both RLS and PLMS. These include medications that are usually used for Parkinson's disease, pain control and seizure disorders. It is important never to treat yourself for this condition, but instead to see a doctor with special knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of RLS.
REM Behavior Disorder REM behavior disorder (RBD) occurs when someone acts out a dream in his or her sleep. Usually when you dream, your muscle tone is decreased – you are, in fact, partially paralyzed. In rare instances, some people do not have a decrease in their muscle tone and begin to act out their dreams. In addition, the dreams frequently become more violent than normal, and are often described as nightmares. The classic situation is one in which someone wakes up punching a pillow and remembers dreaming he was in a fight. RBD is very rare, occurring most frequently in older men. Common causes of RBD include the use of certain medications (especially anti-depressants such as Prozac and Paxil) and withdrawal from certain sedatives (such as alcohol). RBD can also be associated with Parkinson's Disease, narcolepsy, and certain other neurologic diseases (e.g. rare brain degeneration disorders, strokes in certain areas of the brain). Usually, however, the cause is a mystery. Fortunately, there is effective medication for this problem. If you would like more information, check with a sleep specialist in your area, or call the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, at (507) 287-6006. Conclusion There are many changes in sleep that occur with aging and a few disorders that become more common as we age. It is therefore very important to remember to maintain healthy sleep hygiene as you age.
If you think you may have a serious sleep disorder, you should discuss your concern with your internist or primary care physician to see if you need referral to a sleep specialist for further testing and treatment. Sweet dreams!
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