Sleep disorders and problems
Insomnia
Feeling tired every once in a while is completely normal. But it can be a problem with greater frequency, especially as insomnia. Insomnia includes having trouble falling asleep, having trouble getting back to sleep, and often waking too early. Insomnia is said to be chronic when it lasts most nights for more than a few weeks.
If you think you have chronic insomnia, it is time to
see a doctor. Your sleep is too important to go for
long periods without it.
Treatments for insomnia will often include an examination
of and changes to your wake/sleep routines, along with
medication. This combination of interventions can
help about 85% of the people with insomnia.
There are some newer medications on the market that work in the brain to promote sleep with lower "spillover" effects of drowsiness the next morning. Sonata® (zaleplon), for example, is a drug designed to help you fall asleep faster, but not for keeping you asleep. Ambien® (zolpidem) is indicated for falling asleep and staying asleep.
Snoring and sleep apnea
Snoring is noisy breathing during sleep that occurs when relaxed structures in the throat
vibrate and make noise. Most snoring is harmless, though it can be a nuisance that interferes with
the sleep of others.
Some snoring can be stopped with lifestyle changes, particularly losing weight, cutting down on smoking and alcohol, and changing sleeping positions. This generally means keeping snorers off of their backs and on their sides as a way to maintain an open airway during sleep. One can also try nasal strips (available at most drugstores, with no prescription required) like Breathe Right® that attach over the nose to widen the space in the nose and make breathing easier.
Sometimes snoring is more than snoring—particularly loud and frequent snoring may be a sign of
sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is sometimes found in those who are overweight, but
it can happen to anyone, including children. It does occur more often in men.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition because the flow of air
is blocked during sleep. The resulting lack of oxygen awakens the person (usually with a big gasp
for air) and they return to snoring once asleep, only to have this cycle repeated throughout the
night.
Because the person frequently awakes and gets little if any deeper sleep, they are frequently tired during the day. In addition, sleep apnea has been linked to stroke and heart disease. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have more than snoring problems, it is important to talk to a doctor (who may also refer you to a specialist).
Diagnosis of sleep apnea usually requires an minimum overnight sleep study from a qualified physician. Sensors attached to various parts of the body transmit data about breathing changes, oxygen levels, and the number of times a person wakes up (whether they are aware of it or not). The most common treatment for sleep apnea is (CPAP), continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP uses a device that pushes air through the airway at sufficient pressure to keep the airway open while sleeping. It involves wearing a mask over the nose during sleep, and a blower attached to the mask pushes air through the nasal passages. Many people with sleep apnea report great improvements in both their sleep, wakefulness and alertness using CPAP.