Occur
during a phase of deep non-REM sleep usually within an hour after the subject
goes to bed. Night terrors may last anywhere from five to twenty minute,
The sleepers eyes may be open, but they are not awake. When the subject
does wake up, the subject usually has no recollection of the episode other
than a sense of fear. This however is not always the case. Quite a few
people interviewed can remember portions of the night terror, some remember
the whole thing. Although night terrors can occur anytime in a persons
life span, the most common is reported in children between the ages of
three and five. Night terrors usually occur fifteen minutes to one hour
after going to sleep. The longer the person is in NREM (the stages before
REM) before the night terror strikes, the more petrified they will be when
it occurs. Keep in mind though not everyone falls to sleep in the same
time as others. This makes a sleep study about the only way of determining
what stage of sleep you are in when these events occur.
Sleep Paralysis
Many people report sleep-related experiences during
which they were unable to move. What they are likely reporting are episodes
of what is known as "sleep paralysis." This parasomnia (events that occur
intermittently or episodically during the night) consists of episodes during which
the person is unable to perform voluntary movements. These episodes, which
usually start suddenly can occur either at sleep onset or on awakening and
typically last a few minutes. During the episode, the person may feel awake or half-awake.
The inability to move usually results in accompanying feelings of fear.
The episodes can also be accompanied by dream-like images known as hypnagogic images.
The hypnagogic images can also become superimposed on the environment (usually
the bedroom) adding to the feelings of fear. The occurrence
of sleep paralysis appears to be linked to transitions into or out of REM
sleep. Sleep paralysis can occur in association with irregular sleep patterns,
shift work, and changes in time-zones. Approximately 30% to 50% of normal
individuals have experienced at least one episode of sleep paralysis. Although
the person may feel that they are completely paralyzed, some areas of the
body may actually be moved. These include the eyes, tongue, and sometimes
the toes or fingers. When experiencing such an episode, one should try
to move his or her eyes and attempt to blink. This can be followed by voluntary
movements of the tongue and wiggling of the toes. Such actions can lead
to the cessation of the episode or gradually restore control over other
body areas such as the legs, arms, trunk, and head. Otherwise, the paralysis
usually disappears spontaneously or can be stopped by noise or when someone
touches or moves part of the person's body.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A sleep disorder in middle-aged men and women
who are overweight and snore heavily. The problem may be caused by
relaxed muscles which partially close the airway during sleep. Up to 10%
of men and 5% of women suffer from this serious condition.
Insomnia
Is a condition in which people frequently are
unable to get to sleep for as much as an hour after they lay down, awaken
frequently during the night, or waken early and are unable to go back to
sleep. Long term insomnia, can be serious enough to radically degrade the
quality of the sufferer's life.
Narcolepsy
Affecting both sexes equally with a tendency to
genetically run in families, this sleep disorder usually appears in the
teenage years. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes a defect
in the brain's ability to send correct signals to the central nervous system.
Gastroesophageal
Reflux
This is a disorder in which the patient can
wake from sleep with a sour taste in the mouth or a burning discomfort
or pain in the chest (heartburn). this disorder is more common in those
over 40 years of age and may lead to other medical problems if not treated.
Restless
Leg Syndrome
Affecting middle-aged men and women equally, restless
leg syndrome is a sleep disorder which makes many people feel an uncomfortable,
not always painful, sensation deep in their thighs, calves and/or feet
just before falling asleep. They're awakened many times during the night
with jerks and twitches of the leg muscles.
Disclaimer:
The information provided by this site, is not intended to be medical advice.
If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from
a physician.
Night
Terrors
Occur
during a phase of deep non-REM sleep usually within an hour after the subject
goes to bed. Night terrors may last anywhere from five to twenty minute,
The sleepers eyes may be open, but they are not awake. When the subject
does wake up, the subject usually has no recollection of the episode other
than a sense of fear. This however is not always the case. Quite a few
people interviewed can remember portions of the night terror, some remember
the whole thing. Although night terrors can occur anytime in a persons
life span, the most common is reported in children between the ages of
three and five. Night terrors usually occur fifteen minutes to one hour
after going to sleep. The longer the person is in NREM (the stages before
REM) before the night terror strikes, the more petrified they will be when
it occurs. Keep in mind though not everyone falls to sleep in the same
time as others. This makes a sleep study about the only way of determining
what stage of sleep you are in when these events occur.
