Narcolepsy or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder which causes excessive daytime sleepiness and drowsiness. Although not well understood it may be caused by genetic factors and abnormal signaling in the brain. Narcolepsy can cause sudden sleep attcks, loss of muscle tone, and hallucinations when falling asleep. Diagnosis is made through sleep tests and treatment may include stimulants, antidepressants, and other medications.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) – RLS is a condition that causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs, particularly in the evenings. It occurs most often when sitting or lying down and may worsen with age. RLS can disrupt sleep patterns. It can be treated with self-care and various medications.
Sleep Apnea (OSA) – Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder in which patients stop and restart breathing while sleeping. Symptoms of OSA include loud snoring and still feeling tired after a full night’s sleep. OSA can increase the risk of several health problems including heart problems. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with sleep testing. Treatment includes using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or an auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machine.
Insomnia – Insomnia is a chronic problem of both falling and staying asleep. It may be caused by poor sleep habits, depression, anxiety, chronic illnesses, and certain medications. Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty going to sleep and/or trouble staying asleep. Treatment includes developing good sleep habits, treating underlying causes, and medications.