1. Sleep Disorders

2. Insomnia The inability to sleep Most common type is difficulty falling asleep. People w/ insomnia are more likely to worry and to have “racing minds” Usually comes and goes, worse w/ anxiety or tension. Only a problem when it occurs for long periods of time.

3. Nightmare/Night Terrors Common nightmares involve snakes or murder. –Some specific to a particular activity or profession. Upsetting events can produce nightmares –Depression/anxiety increases Dreamers feel hearts racing, gasp for air, may sit up, thrash, etc. –Do not fully awaken, memories may be vague

4. Nightmares/Night Terrors Night terrors similar to nightmares, but more severe. Night terrors occur during stages 3 and 4 Nightmares occur during REM

5. Sleepwalking Many children walk in their sleep Tends to run in families – most children outgrow it Occurs during deep sleep. May even respond to questions – but do not remember any of it

6. Sleep Apnea Breathing interruption that occurs during sleep –Do not automatically start breathing again until they awaken gasping for air Occurs when a person’s air passages are blocked. More common in older, overweight men –Can lead to high blood pressure –Greater risk for stroke and heart attack

7. Narcolepsy Very rare – people suddenly fall asleep Believed to be a genetic disorder of REM-sleep function Cataplexy may occur which is a body paralysis Genetic link No cure

8. RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) Painful, prickly sensations that force victims to twitch their legs rapidly, leading to sleeplessness.

9. Hypersomnia Excessive sleepiness. Deep or prolonged major sleep period in which there are prolonged sleep episodes in non-REM sleep –1-2 hours Unknown cause but is associated with the CNS

10. Kleine Levin Syndrome Rare neurological disorder characterized by recurring periods of excessive amounts of sleep and altered behavior. At the onset of an episode, the patient is drowsy and can sleep months. May “semi” awaken to eat/use bathroom –Spacey, childlike, confused, disoriented –Uncommunicative Episodes may come and go w/out warning Cause is a malfunction in the hypothalamus and low dopamine