Help Me To Sleep

By Dr.Ahmed on Oct 17, 2009 | Reply

What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. At various times throughout the day, people with narcolepsy experience fleeting urges to sleep. If the urge becomes overwhelming, individuals will fall asleep for periods lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. In rare cases, some people with narcolepsy may remain asleep for an hour or longer.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy?

The most common symptoms of narcolepsy are:

Excessive daytime sleepiness
The sudden loss of voluntary muscle tone (cataplexy)
Vivid hallucinations during sleep onset or upon awakening
Brief episodes of total paralysis at the beginning or end of sleep.
What Causes Narcolepsy?

The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown.

Can Narcolepsy be Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for narcolepsy. However, two classes of antidepressant drugs have proved effective in controlling the sudden loss of muscle tone in many patients: tricyclics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Drug therapy should be supplemented by behavioral strategies. For example, many people with narcolepsy take short, regularly scheduled naps at times when they tend to feel sleepiest. Improving the quality of nighttime sleep can combat narcolepsy and help relieve persistent feelings of fatigue.

Complications of Narcolepsy

A person with narcolepsy may experience difficulty driving, and working.

What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is abnormal wakefulness, poor-quality sleep or inability to sleep. Insomnia may cause problems during the day, such as tiredness, a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Almost everyone experiences some level of insomnia. Insomnia can be as simple as not being able to fall asleep because excitement of the day ahead or a change in sleeping patterns.

Insomnia may be a symptom of Nighttime Eating Syndrome.

Types of Insomnia

There are different classifications of insomnia: transient, intermittent, and chronic. Transient insomnia is short term insomnia. It can last from a single night to a few weeks. Intermittent Insomnia is insomnia that occurs on and off. Chronic insomnia is insomnia that occurs constantly, usually most nights and lasts for a month or more.

Who gets Insomnia?
Anyone can have insomnia. Insomnia occurs in women, the elderly, and individuals with a history of depression, or bipolar disorder.

Stress, anxiety, a medical problem, or the use of certain medications can contribute to developing insomnia.

What causes Insomnia?
Insomnia can be caused by many different things. Transient and intermittent insomnia usually occur in people who are temporarily experiencing: stress, environmental noise, extreme temperatures, change in the surrounding environment, sleep/wake schedule problems such as those due to jet lag, or medication side effects.

The cause of Chronic insomnia is more complex than the causes of transient and intermittent insomnia. It often results from a combination of factors, including underlying physical or mental disorders. One of the most common causes of chronic insomnia is depression.

Do I have Insomnia?
Maybe. Your doctor can help you determine if you have insomnia. Diagnosis is usually made be evaluating sleep history and other environmental conditions.

Can Insomnia be treated?
Yes. Your doctor can prescribe medication that is aimed at your specific problem. However, transient and intermittent insomnia may not require treatment since episodes last only a few days at a time.

Tips for Getting A Better Night Sleep

Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can cause restlessness during the night. Caffeine and nicotine have substances in them that will keep you awake.
Avoid Smoking
Nicotine has substances in it that will keep you awake.
Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine has substances in it that will keep you awake.
Exercise regularly
But do not exercise near your bedtime.
Avoid sleep interruptions
Don’t sleep with the pet, close your door, minimize light and noise.
Relax before bedtime
A warm bath or light snack
Avoid liquids before bedtime
Limits having to use the bathroom at night.
Avoid long naps during the day
Naps can disrupt your sleeping pattern.
Avoid trying to sleep
The more you “try” to sleep, the more difficult it becomes.
Get up at the same time each morning
Too much time in bed can lead to restless sleep.
Use your bed for sleeping
Not for unrelated activities like reading or watching tv.
Check your medications
Medications might increase your sleep difficulties.

Tips for People who Work the Night Shift

Share your schedule and sleep times with your family and friends.
Take a nap before your evening shift to help you feel more alert.
Prepare your bedroom for daytime sleeping.
Use room darkening shades or curtains
Use a fan or soft music to block out loud sounds
Eat regular meals with a balanced diet.
Work out before work.
Brisk walking, jogging or swimming can help you stay alert and keep you in shape.
Avoid late night caffeine.