Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where the airway becomes obstructed during sleep and airflow into the lungs is diminished or stops completely. Usual causes of obstruction are enlarged tonsils &/or adenoids, loss of muscle tone in the neck during certain stages of sleep or excess fatty tissue in the neck area. During the obstruction, it is not unusual for the oxygen level in the blood to decrease. The pattern of obstruction, awakening with a loud snort to re-open the airway and then the obstruction happening again, repeats itself many times during the night. This constant sleep/wake cycle leaves you feeling exhausted the next day even thought you allowed sufficient time for a good night’s sleep.
Insomnia
Transient insomnia is not unusual and may present itself after a traumatic event in your life. However, there is a longer, more disruptive type of insomnia. Having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep is a malady which plagues many of us and leaves you too tired to function properly the next day. If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep 3 nights a week for a month or more, it may be time to talk with your physician about chronic insomnia.
Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome
The feeling of ‘creepy-crawlies’ or tingling sensations on your extremities (usually the legs) during the night is the most commonly reported symptom of PLMS. This sensation can be enough to prevent the onset of sleep or even wake you from a sound sleep. It can also cause you to kick your legs or jerk your arms. Again, this disruption of sleep leaves you tired and not able to concentrate on your day-to-day activities.
Narcolepsy
Although getting a full and restful night of sleep, you find it almost impossible to stay awake at a traffic light or even having a conversation with a friend. Narcolepsy is a disorder within the brain which prevents you from staying awake. Excessive daytime sleepiness is one of the hallmarks of this disease. A sleep study can diagnose this disease and treatment is available.