 Sleep
is a physiological process that occupies a third of our life span. It is an active
state important for renewing our mental and physical health each day. Sleep disorders
lead to a lowered quality of life and reduced personal health. There are more
than 70 types of sleep disorders. The disorders can range from excessive sleepiness
during the day, poor sleep at night (not feeling fresh after waking) and abnormal
behaviour (sleep talking, sleep walking, violent acts, etc) at night. An untreated
sleep disorder can reduce daytime productivity, increase risk of accidents and
risk for illness and even early death. The presence of loud snoring particularly
if accompanied with pauses is a potential risk factor for high blood pressure,
cardiovascular disease and major cause of road traffic accidents.
Sleep disorders
not only adversely affect physical health but mental health as well. Personality
changes, memory loss, limited attention span, poor judgment and lethargy may all
be signs of a sleep disorder. In addition, sleep disturbance can lead to inattention,
hyperactivity, and is a contributing factor to poor scholastic performance in
children. The disorders have protean manifestations and therefore are seen by
specialists of various fields - e.g. ENT, Cardiology, Psychiatry, Chest Medicine,
Paediatrics, etc. However, all departments work together, as this is a multi-disciplinary
specialty.. The
evaluation of a patient with sleep disorders requires an assessment by a specialist
in sleep disorders, and (if required) followed by an overnight sleep study. The
department of Sleep Medicine is equipped to handle all disorders related to sleep.
It has qualified sleep disorder specialists and a Sleep Laboratory where overnight
diagnostic sleep study, CPAP titration and Multiple Sleep Latency tests are performed. The
department is actively involved in research, and has an ongoing ICMR project for
"Determining the prevalence of sleep disorders in our country". What
are sleep disorders? At
least 40 million Americans each year suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders
each year, and an additional 20 million experience occasional sleeping problems.
These disorders and the resulting sleep deprivation interfere with work, driving,
and social activities. They also account for an estimated $16 billion in medical
costs each year, while the indirect costs due to lost productivity and other factors
are probably much greater. Doctors have described more than 70 sleep disorders,
most of which can be managed effectively once they are correctly diagnosed. The
most common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome,
and narcolepsy. There
are more than 84 different sleep disorders, the most common of which are listed
below:
"
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ( click for details)
The most common symptoms include loud snoring, sleepiness
during the day, high blood pressure and obesity. A bed partner will often report
that the patient will stop breathing during the night. Untreated sleep apnea may
cause cardiovascular disease, risk of automobile accidents, and decreased quality
of life and work.
" Insomnia(
click for details)
People
with insomnia have difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Brief periods
of insomnia are common, but many are chronically affected and may benefit from
a formal sleep consultation.
" Periodic
Limb Movement During Sleep Syndrome (PLMS)
( click for details)
During sleep,
people with PLMS have kicking movements of the legs that occur every 20-90 seconds,
which may disturb their normal sleep as well as the sleep of their partners.
" Restless Legs Syndrome
( click for details)
Restless legs can be a source of insomnia and is due to
leg discomfort usually described as aching or a crawling sensation that occur
while at rest, which makes the sufferer feel they must continually move their
legs. These symptoms are worse in the evening.
"
Narcolepsy ( click for details)
The
main symptoms of narcolepsy are excessive and uncontrollable sleepiness, sudden
episode of muscle weakness during the day associated with strong emotion (happiness,
anger, or fear), sensation of being paralyzed while asleep, and vivid dreams upon
falling asleep. Proper diagnosis and therapy can greatly improve the quality of
life in narcoleptics.
.
|
