Sleep Disorders

About 40 million people in the United States suffer from chronic long-term sleep disorders each year and an additional 20 million people experience occasional sleep problems.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Syndrome

‍Snoring by itself may not be all that dangerous, however, it could be a signal of sleep apnea. Characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing, sleep apnea affects more than 12 million Americans. Individuals with sleep apnea are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud, persistent snoring and snorting
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Waking with a dry mouth or headache

Insomnia

‍Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder. More than 60 million Americans suffer from some form the sleep disorder. Insomnia can range from occasional to chronic, but is best described as a persistent difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep, or premature morning awakening.

Common symptoms include:

• Trouble getting to sleep
• Trouble staying asleep
• Unrefreshing sleep

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

‍RLS, also known as Ekbom disease, is an irresistible urge to move limbs in order to relieve an uncomfortable sensation. While the sleep disorder most commonly affects legs, it can also be experienced in the arms or torso. The constant need to move causes patterns of interrupted or restless sleep. More than 5 million Americans suffer from RLS.

Common symptoms include:

• Creepy crawly sensations in the legs or arms, especially when at rest
• Uncomfortable sensations relieved by rubbing or moving around
• Symptoms begin in early evening and intensify as bedtime approaches

Narcolepsy

‍A chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy is estimated to affect as many as 125,000 to 200,000 Americans although fewer than 50,000 have been properly diagnosed. While most people do not experience REM sleep until after 90 minutes, narcoleptics can enter the REM stage of sleep within 10 minutes.

Common symptoms include:

• Excessive sleepiness
• Feeling frozen or paralyzed upon waking
• Feeling a loss of muscle tone in response to strong emotion like laughing or being angry

Parasomnias: Unwanted Behaviors in Sleep

‍Parasomnia involves abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, or perceptions that occur during sleep. Most abnormal behaviors are carried out during the transition of sleep stages. 10% of Americans experience parasomnia. Parasomnia is commonly seen in childhood and usually is not a serious concern unless unsafe or dangerous actions occur.

Common symptoms include:

• Acting out dreams
• Sleep walking
• Sleep-related violence or injury

Shift Work and Circadian Sleep Disorders

‍Shift work or circadian rhythm sleep disorders affect people who commonly rotate shifts or work during the night. 20% of the American workforce is comprised of shift workers. This disorder occurs most frequently among people who work between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Such job schedules work against the body’s natural circadian rhythm and often result in insomnia and excessive sleepiness.

Common symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• Excessive sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating

Sleep Solutions of Mississippi treats a wide range of sleep disorders beyond those mentioned here. To discover if you have a sleep disorder and treatment options, schedule a sleep consultation with our board certified sleep doctors.

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