Sleep Disorder Types

There are close to 90 different sleeping disorders that aflict people. Some of the more common disorders are:

yawning-with-clockSLEEP APNEA
Sleep Apnea is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing, or instances of abnormally shallow breathing, during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from seconds to minutes, and may occur hundreds of times every night.

INSOMNIA
Insomnia is shown by an inability to fall or stay asleep. Insomnia can take may forms, and can last in some cases for years.

NARCOLEPSY
Narcolepsy is exemplified by excessive daytime sleepiness, and may cause a person to fall asleep at inappropriate times or have sudden loss of muscle control.

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME
Restless Leg Syndrome is broadcast as an overwhelming urge to move one’s legs to overcome uneasiness or restlessness in bed.

PARASOMNIAS
Parasomnias include a myriad of different sleeping disorders including: REM Behavior Disorder; Sleep Terrors; Sleep Walking; Bruxism; Bedwetting; Sleep Talking; and Sleep Sex.

DANGERS OF UNTREATED SLEEP DISORDERS
Some potential consequences of leaving a sleep disorder untreated include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased quality of life
  • Depression
  • Weight gain
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • High blood pressure
  • Impaired concentration or memory loss
  • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
  • Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents

Treatment

At Anchorage Sleep Center, we believe in the patient’s right to be actively involved in their treatment. For patients with sleep apnea, we have ongoing relationships with local dentists and ENT surgeons to offer treatment options extending to oral appliance therapy and surgical approaches. If CPAP is deemed necessary, we have the ability to set the patient up with their machine right there in the office.

More Details on Sleep Disorder Treatment