Our previous post discussed sleep hygiene techniques. If you’ve put these techniques into practice, and still haven’t been able to acquire a restful night’s sleep, you may have a sleep disorder.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Someone who has sleep apnea has disruptions in their breathing while asleep. The most prevalent symptom of sleep apnea is snoring loudly and periodic gasping or “snorting” noises which occur when breathing is interrupted. People with sleep apnea often also feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. Sleep apnea most commonly occurs in men, and its incidence increases with increasing age and weight. Treatment includes weight loss and the use of an assistive breathing device such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
Insomnia. In simple terms, insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. Common causes of insomnia include depression, anxiety, and pain. If still unable to fall asleep after addressing the underlying cause, possible medication options for insomnia include sedatives (Ambien, Lunesta), benzodiazepines (Ativan, Restoril), and sedating antidepressants (Elavil, Remeron). Your doctor will work with you to determine which medication is best.
Narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is marked by excessive daytime drowsiness despite sleeping at night. People with narcolepsy may fall asleep while doing activities such as walking or driving. The mainstay treatment of narcolepsy is stimulant medications such as Provigil, Nuvigil, Ritalin, and Dexedrine.
Jet Lag. Travelers who frequently cross multiple time zones may experience jet lag. It is usually temporary, and occurs because the body’s internal clock is out of sync. Fatigue during or after travel is the primary symptom. Sleeping medications such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Halcion may be beneficial for improving sleep duration and quality while traveling.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). RLS is characterized by “creepy crawly” sensations in the legs while sleeping. Leg movements such as walking or kicking can bring relief, but this in turn interrupts sleep. As RLS is thought to be caused by abnormalities of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, the primary pharmacological treatment options are dopamine promoters such as Sinemet, Requip, and Mirapex.
If you feel that you might be experiencing symptoms of either of the sleep disturbances above, you can use the assessment here for more information: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-disorders-assessment/default.htm. Also be sure to discuss your concerns at your next doctor’s visit.
