Sleep Disorders
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is experienced by sufferers as a lack of air flow throughout the night, which leads to frequent brief arousals. OSA is a serious, potentially life-threatening breathing disorder which affects an estimated 20 million Americans, equally as common as asthma and diabetes. Estimates suggest that up to 85-90% of individuals with sleep apnea go undiagnosed and untreated, which could make the actual statistic as high as 1 in 5.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the region of the central nervous system that regulates sleep and wakefulness. Symptoms of narcolepsy generally appear in the second decade of life. It affects an estimated 200,000 Americans, and is characterized by the following signs and symptoms (not all individuals with narcolepsy experience every sign or symptom):
Periodic Leg Movements in Sleep (PLMS)
PLMS is a syndrome that consists of periodic movements of the legs, feet, and/or toes during sleep. People with PLMS are often not aware of these movements, and often complain of several symptoms, including: insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, frequent awakenings from sleep, or unsatisfying sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
RLS is marked by uncomfortable leg sensations that occur continually while the body is at rest. It may be a central nervous system disorder and occasionally is associated with iron-deficiency anemia, pregnancy or diabetes. Some researchers estimate that RLS affects as many as 5-15% of the U.S. population.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption
More than 25 million Americans have non-traditional work schedules, and many of these individuals have difficulty sleeping during the day and staying alert on the job at night.
Obesity Linked To Sleep Disorders
Sleep apnea, a disorder that has been directly linked with obesity, causes the upper airway to collapse while sleeping. The collapse is often short in duration but has serious consequences from the lack of oxygen being distributed throughout the body. Recent studies prove that people who allow moderate to severe sleep apnea to continue untreated are 7 times more likely to die of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack or stroke.
Sleep and Attention Disorders
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common diagnoses for many children and teens that are unable to focus, behave or control impulses. With so few children obtaining the recommended 9-11 hours necessary for them to function and learn properly, it is not surprising that research has demonstrated that many of the symptoms commonly thought to be linked to ADHD or other similar disorders, may actually be linked to a sleep disorder.