What Causes Sleep Disorders, and How to Find Affordable Treatment

Sleeping disorders literally affect millions of people nation wide, and is a growing issue in today's society. Each and every year people lose hundreds of hours of sleep because of the sleep disorders they are suffering from.

Some of the most common types of sleep disorders are:

-Bruxism (gnashing or grinding of teeth at night)

-Hypopnea (shallow breathing or slow breathing rate)

-Narcolepsy (Excessive daytime sleepiness)

-PLMD (Sudden involuntary arm or leg movement)

-RLS (Constant urge to move legs)

-Sleep Paralysis (a temporary state of paralysis just before and after sleep)

-Sleep Walking

-RBD (Acting out violent or dramatic dreams)

These disorders are just a very few of the most common disorders that people suffer with each and every day. While most sleep disorders are simply annoying and a cause us a lot of grief at night, there are some sleep disorders that are very dangerous and could end up putting you in the hospital.

Why do these sleep disorders happen?

Sleep disorders are caused by a numerous amount of factors including things like:

-stress

-mood

-alcohol

-surrounding environment

-fear

-anxiety

-drugs

-depression

Over the past few years, there have been some major breakthroughs in the treatments and even some cures for these different sleep disorders. For the most part the treatments are very effective and can really improve your sleep quality. The only problem that comes with a lot of these treatments and cures is the price that is attached to them.

If you are looking to get more information on sleep disorders, or would like more information on possible treatments/cures at an affordable price you can request your free sleep disorders guide.

My Sleep Disorder Remedy

Don't you hate the feeling of not being able to sleep at night? Not only does it make for a night in bed (or wandering around the house looking for something to do at night) but are also affect you throughout the day. It causes you to feel fatigued, and your performance is just not what it should be. Not only that, but it prevent your body from running at its prime, and can cause all kinds of problems for you. If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep at night, or to stay asleep for long periods of time, but here is my sleep disorder remedy that I have used many times to help myself get a good nights sleep when necessary. Now this isn't to say that it is going to work for everyone, but it is work for me many times in the past and I continue to use it every time I find myself having a hard time sleeping.

Most of us tend to watch television before we fall asleep. We do this in the evening, usually out of habit, and because we would like to just be able to sit and vegetate for awhile. The problem is that many of us tend to watch things that are really not conducive to public the sleep through the night, such as television shows and movies that would promote anxious feelings and ourselves. I find that whenever I am having a difficult time falling asleep at night, or staying asleep for long periods of time that one might use the sleep disorder remedy it helps me to find that good nights sleep and I'm looking for.

The first thing that I do is to turn off the television, and if it's not possible to turn the television off because someone else is watching then I simply removed myself from the room. Instead of watching television I read some light material, or listen to some relaxing music in order to get myself in the mindset of a good nights sleep. I also do some aromatherapy, either by taking a warm bath or burning candles. I find that if I give myself a good half hour in order to prepare my mind for sleep that I fall asleep much faster come and stay asleep for a longer period of time.

INSOMNIA - Sleep Disorders and Sleeping Problems

INSOMNIA

The condition of habitual sleeplessness is classified as insomnia. Inability to achieve a full night's sleep on most nights over a 30 day period may be considered chronic insomnia. Approximately 40 million Americans (one-in-ten) suffer from insomnia and about three-in-ten healthy seniors are affected.

Insomnia can take the form of:

1/. Inability to fall asleep when you first go to bed

2/. Waking during the night and being unable to go back to sleep

Insomnia, although very frustrating, is usually only a temporary annoyance however in some cases, sleep related problems can last for months or even years.

CHRONIC INSOMNIA

Chronic insomnia is often associated with underlying medical problems. Approximately half of all cases can be attributed to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress or grief. Additionally, insomnia can result from a wide variety of physical causes such as arthritis, indigestion, breathing problems, asthma, muscle aches, heart or kidney disease, physical pain, Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, caffeine consumption, jet lag and the intake of some drugs can lead to insomnia. These include antidepressants, appetite depressants, pseudoephedrine (found in many cold remedies), medications for high blood pressure and thyroid hormone replacement medications.

DIET AND INSOMNIA

Unhealthy nutritional habits and eating close to bed time can trigger insomnia. A poor diet can also lead to insomnia. A lack of Calcium and Magnesium can cause you to wake during the night and find it difficult to get back to sleep. Extended periods of sleep deprivation (three nights or more) can cause a serious decline in your overall performance including personality changes, relationship problems, compromised productivity and can lead to other serious health problems.

HOW MUCH SLEEP?

There are no fixed guidelines about how much sleep each of us should get because each individual's needs differ. While some people can function quite well on as little as five hours of sleep a night, others require eight, nine or even more hours per night to be at their best. Generally, it is recommended that adults get eight hours sleep nightly in order to feel refreshed and to function at peak efficiency during the day. Young children and adolescents generally require more sleep than adults to be at their best.

SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea is also a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people. Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea which is commonly associated with snoring and severe breathing irregularities during the night. Individuals suffering from sleep apnea may stop breathing for up to two minutes at a time while they are asleep and this may happen up to 200 times during the night without the individual being conscious of the awakenings. When breathing stops, the level of oxygen in the blood decreases, resulting in oxygen deprivation. The individual then awakens, startled and gasping for air. Apart from disrupting normal sleep and causing extreme sleepiness during the day, sleep apnea is associated with other, more serious health problems. Individuals suffering from sleep apnea tend to have higher blood pressure and are more likely to have strokes and suffer heart disease than the general population.

HERBS

• Californian Poppy, Hops, Kava Kava, Lemon Balm, Passionflower and Valerian Root, taken in capsule or extract form are all good for assisting to overcome sleep apnea.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Do not eat large meals within four hours of going to sleep

• Bananas, dates, figs, milk, nut butter, tuna, turkey, whole grain crackers and yoghurt are high in tryptophan, which promotes sleep. Consider adding these to evening meals.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine four to six hours before bedtime

• Avoid bacon, cheese, chocolate, eggplant, ham, potatoes, sauerkraut, sausage, sugar, spinach, tomato and wine close to bedtime. These foods contain tyramine which increases the release of norepinephrine, a brain stimulant

GOOD SLEEPING HABITS

Establish and follow a set of 'good sleeping habits' to bring about a healthy sleep cycle.

• Go to bed only when you are sleepy

• If you cannot get off to sleep, get out of bed. Get up and go to a different room and read something light or do some other quiet activity until you feel ready for sleep

• Use your bedroom only for sleeping and sex. Other activities like watching television, working or eating should be done in another room

• Try to keep a regular sleep cycle. Go to bed and wake up at the same time whenever possible

• Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and a comfortable temperature

• Do not nap during the day, especially after mid-afternoon

• Regular exercise in the late afternoon or early evening helps promote sound sleep, but not within two hours of bedtime

• Enjoy a hot bath (not a shower) an hour or two before bedtime. For a more relaxing experience, add a few drops of a soothing essential oil like chamomile

3 Common Sleep Disorders

Sleep is critically important to healthy living, yet up to 70 million Americans suffer from common sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can be very complex; there are approximately 80 different medically established sleep disorders. In this article we'll discuss 3 of the most common of these disorders.

Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most common betrayers of a good night's rest. In fact, most individuals will have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at one point in their life. Insomnia symptoms include difficulty or inability to fall asleep, waking up too early in the morning, waking in the middle of the night with an inability to go back to sleep, and waking up fatigued.

Insomnia can last for a night or it can be a long-term problem. Most insomnia is caused by anxiety, emotional disturbances or general levels of stress. Most of the time resolving the main emotional causes will alleviate insomnia. In some cases it's useful to get the advice of a mental health professional.

Sleep Apnea

One of the most dangerous of these common slumber disorders is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when an individuals' sleep is interrupted (as often as 100 times per night) while they sleep. The constant interruption means that not all the levels of sleep are achieved and oxygen can dip to dangerous levels. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study and treatment methods vary. The most common treatment is the use of a CPAP machine which blows a pressurized stream of air through an individuals nose and mouth while they sleep.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

RLS is a disorder that causes a sensation of pulling, tingling or pain in legs. RLS occurs at night and usually happens when an individual rests. It can happen lying down or sitting down. Because RLS typically occurs at night it can dramatically interfere with a person's ability to get sleep. It impacts about 10% of Americans.

Diagnosing Your Inability to Sleep

Sleep disorders can be serious and it's important to seek the advice of your physician if you're concerned about the quality of your sleep. Some of these disorders can be treated by the help of a doctor or a therapist. Often times a patient can benefit from a sleep study. Sleep studies can provide information about how much sleep a patient gets over a given period of time and what quality of sleep it is. The key to treatment is proper diagnosis, so seek medical attention sooner than later.

Crying, Talking, Sleeping, Walking - Normal Child!

If your child is a sleep walker, it can be quite disturbing to see them in what can often be a distressed state. Sleep walking disorder (also known as somnambulism) occurs in approximately 15% of the child population. It is a series of complex behaviours that are initiated during slow wave sleep and results in the child getting up and walking around. It occurs during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, which is also the dream stage of sleep. This disorder is often accompanied by vivid and frightening hallucinations, as the sleeper brings his/her dreams with them into the waking world. These can also be referred to as sleep or night terrors and are believed to be far more common than figures actually suggest. These terrors are displayed as a result of "confusional arousals" from sleep, where the child will be partially awake - yet deeply asleep - both at the same time! They apparently believe they have somewhere to go, something to do, or someone to meet.

In some of the more extreme cases they can lead to a frantic attempt to escape as if threatened. They will have glassy eyes, pick at the duvet, make obscure body movements and walk around the house blankly. Sleep walkers may also avoid looking at another person who attempts to communicate with them.

The child may be only troubled by a mild form of sleep walking/night terrors, in which case you'll probably see that they simply sit up in bed and look around the room with a blank or confused expression, before returning to sleep. Child sleep walking is more frequent among boys and peaks in children aged 6 to 12. Parents should remove anything from the bedroom that could be hazardous or harmful to a child that is prone to sleep walking.

A sleep walker usually remember little to nothing of the nights events and this can lead to the child feeling embarrassment, anxiety and confusion when they are told about their behaviour. Emotional support is essential, therefore a parent should never make their child feel in any way ashamed about their episodes. Shouting at them, or attempting to awaken them through shaking will only enhance any panic they may already be experiencing and could have a damaging effect. Gentle persuasion and guidance are far more advisable.

It is thought that a full bladder may act as one of the sleep walking causes, and it does have some credibility, so fluids should be restricted before bedtime, ensuring that they use the toilet also. Watching TV in the bedroom immediately before falling asleep has some statistical backing as another source of the sleep walking/night terrors, so a happy medium probably needs to be found. Crucially, it should be remembered that, for the most part, child sleep walking is outgrown before puberty, so the key is to do what should come naturally anyway; that is provide love, support and understanding for the child.

Sleep Disorder Tips - How to Fall Asleep Faster and Stay Asleep Longer

Almost anything could be the cause your sleep disorder. In fact, sleep disorders and lack of sleep will cause more anxiety and stress. Your productivity is reduced during the day. If a sleep disorder is causing you many sleepless nights you may want to consult a doctor. However, you can do some things on your own as well. Here are some tips to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Since most of us are into habits and routines, your bedtime routine should be no different. Try to stick to the same bedtime every night. Your schedule should include your bedtime and evening activities. Make simple rules such as no caffeine after three o'clock. If you're into video games, stop playing an hour before you go to bed. Keep a schedule of your activities for the entire week. You can reduce stress, because you know what's ahead.

What you should avoid before going to sleep and through the night is television. If you love to watch a lot of TV, it's possible that you may wind up staying up late. You'll have less time to sleep. Television can also be a source of stress, especially if you watch the news. If you want to stay asleep longer at night, try turning off the television off. When there's less noise at night, you'll have less chance of waking up.

Finally, you want to clear your bedroom of possible distractions. Just knowing some basics will set up your bedroom for good, restful sleeping. First, you want to remove the temptation to work by getting of laptops and cell phones from the bed room. You may want to look into investing in a new mattress. Turn around the clock at night so you don't check the time during the middle of the night.

When it comes to your sleep disorder, you can help yourself with a few simple things described above. Hopefully you'll be on your way to a good night sleep very soon and have less signs of sleep deprivation.

Sleep Problems Among Adolescents

A great many teenagers do not get anything like the amount of proper regular sleep the need. Not having enough sleep on a regular basis can lead to a sleep deficit, which can create emotional problems and also the inability to be able to concentration on their work and studies.

Sleep problems among adolescents are much more common in comparison to adults and younger children because of several reasons. Some doctors will tell you that a teenager's biological clock alters during adolescence, which makes it more difficult for teenager's to fall asleep and wake up early and refreshed the next morning. The changes to a teenager's body are created by the brain hormone called "melatonin" that is produced by a teenager later at night in adolescents, this makes it difficult teens to sleep properly. This sleep disorder is known as "delayed sleep phase syndrome", which affects very many teens. Other causes of sleep problems among adolescents include stress, drugs, physical discomforts or poor sleeping environment.

5 sleep problems that are disruptive to your teenager's sleep patterns:

1. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) this happens when your leg and arm movements disturbs sleep, making your teenager's bad tempered and tired from lack of sleep. With this complaint, the teenager is unaware that they are moving their arms or legs whilst sleeping.


2. Restless Leg Syndrome or (RLS) is in some ways similar to condition PLMD, the few differences being the feeling of burning, itching, and tingling in the legs. To help this sleep disorder the sufferer needs to move the arms and legs quite vigorously. Although the medical profession now has medication that can help RLS and PLMD.


3. Sleep apnea is a sleep problem that is also quite common. A person with this disorder stops breathing suddenly whilst asleep. Sleep apnea is caused by/c swollen adenoids/c enlarged tonsils/c and obesity/c although there are more causes as well. If your teen is suffering from this sleep problem/c they will find it hard to breath/c snore.


4. Teenager's do not often experience nightmares, however, when they do, these nightmares can definitely disturb a teen's sleep. Insomnia, stress, anxiety and other emotional issues, drugs, alcohol, medication and lack of sleep can cause nightmares. A counselor, doctor, or therapist, help to treat frequent nightmares.


5. Adolescents don't often suffer from sleepwalking. this can be caused by a fever or even lack of sleep. Also, these types of sleep problems can often run in your family, and if this is the case, try not to worry because sleepwalking is not harmful. All you have to do is help the sleepwalker back to bed.

With the correct medicine and help from the medical profession, sleep problems among adolescents can be treated. However, you should get help right away if the the problems continue for any length of time.

Sleep Disorders - What Are They and What Can We Do About Them?

Could you have a sleep disorder?

Patients often come to me complaining of the following symptoms, periodic drowsiness, and sleepiness during the day, or falling asleep at inappropriate times. They insist that they spend plenty of time in bed, at least 8 hours a night, so why are they so tired?

After ruling out other medical causes for their fatigue I proceed to ask a few questions:

o Do you consistently take more than 30 minutes each night to fall asleep?

o Do you consistently awaken several times each night and then have trouble falling back to sleep, or you awaken too early in the morning?

o Are you told you snore loudly, snort, gasp, make choking sounds, or stop breathing for short periods?

o Do you have creeping, tingling, or crawling feelings in your legs or arms that are relieved by moving or massaging them, especially in the evening and when trying to fall asleep?

o Do you feel as though you cannot move when you first wake up?

If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, I explain that a sleep disorder might be the problem. It is estimated that 40 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder such as insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), sleep apnea (sleep-disordered breathing), restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy (uncontrollable drowsiness). Although sleep disorders can significantly affect your health, safety, and well-being, they can be treated.

Why is Sleep So Important?

At one time sleep was thought of as simply a period of time when you are not awake. But due to a great deal of research and scientific studies, it is now known that sleep has stages that cycle throughout the night. In essence vital tasks are carried out during this "down time" that help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best.

Performance

You need sleep to think clearly, react quickly, and create memories. The pathways in the brain that help us learn and remember are very active when we sleep. Cutting back by even 1 hour can make it tough to focus the next day and can slow down your response time. When you are sleep deprived, you are more likely to make bad decisions which lower your ability to perform well at your job and to carry out other daily activities.

Mood

Insufficient sleep can make you cranky and is linked to poor behavior and trouble with relationships, especially among children and teens. People who chronically lack sleep are also more likely to become depressed.

Health

Lack of sleep or getting poor quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

How much sleep is enough?

Does it really matter if you get enough sleep? Yes it does, without a doubt! Both the quantity and quality of your sleep is important. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Many people believe that this number changes as you age and older adults need less sleep. There is no real evidence to support this notion. However, we do know that as you age you are more likely to awaken easily and spend less time in the deep, restful stages of sleep.

What If You Discover You Have A Sleep Disorder?

I always assure my patients that having a sleep disorder is not life threatening. Most sleep disorders are treatable with changes in lifestyle routines combined with herbal sleep aids, or prescribed medications.

The first thing is to figure out why you are having trouble sleeping. It might be related to stress or illness. Sometimes patients drink too many caffeinated drinks or too much alcohol. Medications, diet, or daily living routines may affect the quality of sleep. After medical problems are ruled out I suggest trying a few self-care methods that I have found to be helpful.

Here are some recommendations by category of the most common sleep disorders:

Insomnia

o Stick to a regular bedtime schedule. Try to get out of bed at the same time each morning, even if it's a weekend or holiday.

o Avoid napping during the day.

o Avoid stressful activities and vigorous exercise for two hours before going to bed. Do exercise regularly, but earlier in the day.

o Before going to bed, try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.

o Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Use earplugs or eye shades if needed.

o Consider trying nutritional supplements such as: Melatonin or herbal remedies such as: Valerian, Corydalis, Lavender, Chamomile, Passion Flower and Hops

Sleep Apnea

o Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.

o Consider an evaluation at a sleep laboratory for a device called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) that increases the air pressure inside your throat.

Narcolepsy

o Napping helps to relieve the sleepiness of narcolepsy.

o Some prescriptions such as Ritalin or dextroamphetamine help with alertness during the day.

o Provigil (modafinil) is a new, less powerful type of stimulant that has recently been found to be effective in maintaining wakefulness.

Restless Leg Syndrome

o Cut caffeine intake.

o Take a warm bath or do relaxation exercises before bed.

o Hot or cold packs on your legs may provide relief.

Getting a good night's sleep is right up there with a healthy diet and being physically active when it comes to overall well-being. Don't cut back on your sleep when you are in a rush to get things done. Make sure you get enough quality sleep to fully enjoy your life.

How Successful is Surgery For Children With Sleep Apnea?

For many years the first line of defense for children with sleep apnea and other forms of sleep-disordered breathing has been to remove both their tonsils and adenoids in a procedure known as an adenoidtonsilectomy and follow-up studies normally carried out about six weeks and three months after surgery generally show positive results. However, it has now been suggested that in many cases, if follow-up studies were again conducted one year after surgery, the results would be very different.

Initial studies indicate that two groups of children in particular are showing a relapse or worsening of their original condition a year out from an adenoidtonsilectomy and one of these groups is children who have gained weight rapidly during the period. However, some poor outcomes have also been reported in children who do not gain weight rapidly and this is leading to a conclusion that sleep-disordered breathing may in fact be a chronic condition.

Data at this point is somewhat limited (the study upon which this conclusion is based involved only 40 children) and certainly more studies will need to be carried out before any firm conclusions can be drawn. Nevertheless, the implication at this stage is that the traditional surgical route for children with sleep apnea perhaps needs to be re-thought.

Well, before you start rushing out and looking for alternatives perhaps we should look a little more closely at just what has been found here.

In the vast majority of cases the children whose condition worsened a year out from surgery had also gained weight very rapidly during this period of time and, in fact, were described almost in passing as being 'obese'. So, is the problem perhaps not the result of an ineffective form of treatment but simply of obesity, which we already know is a major contributory factor in cases of sleep-disordered breathing?

Obesity is now at epidemic proportions but has only recently started spreading like wildfire through our children and is not only leading to increased cases of sleep apnea, but is also being seen in an increasing number of children with diabetes, heart conditions and various other disorders.

We live in an age when we are rightly thankful for advances in medicine but the race to come up with the latest medical breakthrough also often leads to the publication of studies and the expression of opinions without adequate evidence to back up their conclusions. This may well be the case here and so perhaps a cautious approach should be advised until we have more evidence to support some firm conclusions.

Learn the Facts on How to Deal With Sleeping Problems in Children

Sleeping problems in children is a cause for worry but you can prevent that from happening only if you follow what your physicians recommend. There can be hundreds of reasons why a child could not sleep well ranging from anxiety to hungriness. You have to spot the reason and rectify it before sleeplessness sets in the child. The diagnosis is so important in getting rid of the situation. If you are able to diagnose the problem all by yourself correctly then you may go ahead with the rectification process.

If you find your child being afraid of something then make him or her get rid of that fear, because once the children are afraid of something it will stay in their minds for a long time and play in their minds disturbing them for eternity.

Once you are aware of the fact that your children are not having a good sleep then you must do something instead of postponing the action. Bedwetting was found to be the main reason in most of the cases. If this is the case with your child then all you have to do is to make sure that he or she wears a napkin before going to sleep.

Wearing a napkin may keep the child warm even if he or she pees on during nights. Making them feel warm is a good thing to do if you want the child to have a good sleep. Make sure that the child is going to bed as early as possible after the supper, because if the child goes to sleep late in the night then there may be unwanted dizziness which keeps the child away from sleep all night.

The other common report is that the nightmares are responsible for the awakening of the child. Nightmares are really scary for the children and you can help them by sleeping with them until they get rid of that habit.

Children's Sleep Problems - Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems Now!

The last thing you, or any parent for that matter, wants is to have to resort to handfuls of sleeping pills in order to quickly solve your child's sleep problems. The very idea of doing such a thing is repugnant to say the least. Luckily for you and your kids though, there are many non-drug remedies that can assist in curing children's sleep problems. Here are a few.

Quick Fixes for Lesser Childrens Sleep Problems...

- Bedtime story. The child might not have an actual problem sleeping at all; he/she might just need your prescience in order to fall asleep quickly. Try it out and see if it helps at all. You'll know quite quickly if this isn't the issue.

- Warm milk. As for adults, a glass of warm milk can be great for kids. The extra calcium will sooth jagged nerves and relax them more easily.

- Herbal aromas. Perhaps not candles, but scented incense of some sort that are imbued with sleep inducing scents. Chamomile, lavender, passionflower, valerian, etc. are all suitable options.

- Herbal bath. Give the child a warm bath and add in several drops of an herbal oil. Aside from being a relaxing & soothing environment, the oils will induce sleepiness, making it far easier for the little one to get to sleep hastily.

Serious Fix for Greater Childrens Sleep Problems...

- Sound therapy. The best way to solve your child's sleep problems is with a specially composed CD made-up of rhythms, tones, and pulses. Consequently, this is also the best way to cure adult lack of sleep problems. Such a treatment (referred to as brainwave entertainment or sleeptracks) corrects the issue of overactive brain activity and lulls the listener to sleep in a matter of minutes. The listener -- in this case the child -- will sleep soundly through the night and be well rested come morning. No side-effects, no "fake" results, no expensive monthly prescriptions.

These are some of the best ways in which you can address your childrens sleep problems. And honestly, doesn't EACH & EVERY one of these child sleep remedies sound better than giving your little one expensive, and highly addictive sleeping pills?

How to Treat Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders can occur in people of all ages and can cause debilitating side effects if left untreated. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that their health problems may be a direct result of a disorder. In many cases, medicine isn't enough to treat their illness.

Some sleeping disorders need to be treated by a recognized sleep disorder center. If too much sleep or a lack of it is preventing you from functioning or pursuing activities that you enjoy, then keep reading. We'll discuss some of the most common disorders and how they can be treated.

More than 100 different disorders of sleeping and waking have been identified and grouped in four main categories:

1) Problems with falling and staying asleep,

2) Problems with staying awake,

3) Problems with adhering to a regular sleep schedule, and

4) Sleep-disruptive behaviors.

Insomnia includes any combination of difficulty with falling asleep, staying asleep, intermittent wakefulness and early-morning awakening.

Episodes may be transient, short-term, or chronic. Insomnia can have associated health problems, such as anxiety disorders. The most common factors that contribute to insomnia include a poor sleeping environment, caffeine, certain medications, illness, heavy smoking and daytime napping.

If you're having trouble staying awake or experience excessive daytime sleepiness, then you could be suffering from hypersomnias. Hypersomnias include apnea, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. Apnea can cause breathing to stop intermittently during sleep, resulting in the person being awakened repeatedly.

Narcolepsy is a condition of daytime sleep attacks despite adequate sleep at night. A person with narcolepsy may suddenly fall asleep in any situation, without warning. Restless leg syndrome is characterized by an uncomfortable sensation, usually in the legs, that occurs primarily at night and when a person is relaxed. The uncomfortable sensation diminishes when the legs are moved.

Sleep disorders can also occur when a consistent sleep and wake schedule is disrupted. This often occurs when traveling between times zones and with shift workers on rotating schedules, particularly nighttime workers. Its disruptive behaviors are abnormal behaviors during sleep and are fairly common in children but are also experienced by adults.

They include night terrors, sleep walking and REM sleep behavior disorder. Symptoms of these disorders include difficulty falling asleep, fatigue, loud snoring, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.

Simple things like reducing your caffeine intake, avoiding sweets and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga can help you to enjoy a better night of sleep. However, some sleep disorders will require medical attention. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and find out more about the treatments available.

You may be referred to a specialist who can perform tests and determine which course of treatment is best for you. This may include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes and using enhancing apparatus. Regardless of the technique, a good night's sleep is priceless.

Sleep Problems in Adults: Their Causes and How They Can Be Overcome

There is a surprising range of sleep problems in adults. Having difficulties sleeping brings for the sufferer the misery of constant tiredness, which will of course lead to poor work performance, a risk of accidents and even an impact on relationships as they become more irritable. Such problems can be short-lived, or for some people they can become a long-term chronic condition which can ultimately become detrimental to overall health and well-being.

There are a number of potential causes for such sleep disturbances. One of the most common of these is stress and anxiety. This could just be a short term issue (such as anxiety about a forthcoming interview, or other such anxiety provoking event), in which case the effect upon sleep will usually pass once the event has passed. However, where the stress and anxiety is a longer term issue (for example, caused by relationship difficulties or worries about finances) then there is the potential for this to become an on-going problem.

A common feature of sleep problems in adults is that they become self re-enforcing. That is to say that the sufferer starts to become stressed and anxious about the fact that they are not getting sufficient quality sleep, and this in turn means that they are less likely to sleep well.

Another cause of sleep problems is a disturbance in the circadian rhythms. This can be as a result of shift working or jet lag. While this usually only lasts a relatively short period, some people find it difficult adjust to a new routine and time of sleeping. In this instance it is important to keep to a particular routine of sleeping at a particular time, even if this is significantly different to the one that you are used to. You should stick to your usual night-time routine, should this involve reading a book, or drinking a milky drink, or whatever else you choose to do before going to sleep. It does not matter too much what your routine is, provided that you stick to it. If you follow this, then the majority of people will ultimately find that they will be able to sleep regularly.

Most sleep problems in adults are usually able to be overcome with solutions such as keeping to a regular routines, relaxation techniques and natural remedies.

Sleep Apnea - A Dangerous Sleeping Disorder

There are 3 types of sleep apnea:

1. Central Apnea - caused by a failure of the brain to activate the muscles of breathing during sleep.


2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) - caused by a collapse of the airway during sleep.


3. Mixed Apnea- a combination of central and OSA.

If interruptions in breathing (apnea) occur 15 or more times per hour the individual has significant sleep apnea. A normal Apnea Hypo Apnea Index (AHI) is < 5. A AHI of 5-15 is mild OSA, 15 to 30 is moderate OSA and > 30 apneic episode per hour is severe OSA.

Risk Factors for OSA include:

Increasing age (common among adults, rare in children)

More common in men than in pre-menopausal women, but the prevalence in post-menopausal women is about the same as men of same age.

Central/truncal obesity

Large neck size (> 17 inches in men and > 16 inches in women)

A large tongue that obstructs the airway

Smoking

Use of alcohol or other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant drugs, sedatives and muscle relaxants.

Short-term OSA

Short-term OSA may be the result of upper airway infections, nasal congestion, swelling of the throat as in Infectious Mononucleosis and also in individuals with large tonsils. Here the apnea resolves once the underlying condition is treated.

Warning signs of OSA include:

Loud snoring

Excessive daytime sleepiness (fatigue), sleepy while driving

Apneic episodes witnessed by another person

Choking and gasping for air during sleep

Memory problems, irritability, anxiety and increasing depression.

Difficulty performing duties at work/home/school

Accidents on the job and /or Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA).

Waking up due to acid reflux from the stomach- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Morning headaches

Complications of OSA:

High Blood Pressure (hypertension)

Ischemic Heart Disease leading to heart attacks and stroke

Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Pulmonary Hypertension (elevated pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs) and Death.

Diagnosis of OSA:

Diagnosis is made by a careful history from patient and individual(s) who observe apneic episodes in the patient during sleep, and a careful physical examination. The gold standard test used to diagnose sleep apnea is an overnight polysomnogram(PSG) "sleep study". The polysomnogram can be performed either in a sleep laboratory or by Home Diagnostic Titration Testing (HDTT).

Treatment of OSA:

For mild to moderate cases of OSA, oral appliances may work; these can be made by a Dentist or Orthodontist. Upper airway surgery (on the soft palate) or nasal surgery (correction of nasal septum/rhinoplasty) may be recommended.

For Severe OSA the most common treatment is the use of CPAP therapy (Constant Positive Airway Pressure). The CPAP device is a small portable machine with a generator which delivers room air to the lungs at a positive pressure through a tubing via a full face mask worn every night during sleep.

For patients who find it difficult to sleep with a mask, a nasal pillow device can be substituted to increase compliance. If the CPAP pressure appears to be excessive bi-level therapy which uses a lower level of pressure can substituted.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Behavior modification is the key to symptom improvement. Individuals should lose weight, engage in regular exercise, stop smoking, avoid sleeping on the back, avoid alcohol and sedating medications, treat any allergic/upper respiratory symptoms.

Sleep Enuresis: Causes and Treatments

Sleep Enuresis, more commonly known as Bedwetting, refers to the lack of ability to maintain urinary control during sleep. This recurrent involuntary urination is also called Nocturnal Enuresis, which is characterized by at least two occurrences per month in 3 to 6 years old infants and at least one occurrence per month for older children.

Though it is considered normal for children below 7 years old to have enuretic episodes, 5% of 10 year old and 3% of 12 year old children, and as many as 1-3% of 18-year-old teenagers may continue to experience this disorder.

Primary and Secondary Enuresis:

Primary Enuresis is involuntary urination that occurs from infancy with at least two episodes a week, and comprised of 70-90% of all cases. Secondary Enuresis, on the other hand, refers to a relapse after experiencing an extended period of dryness. Adults are more likely to suffer from the secondary type.

Causes of Sleep Enuresis:

Sleep Enuresis can be caused by many factors including hormonal, dietary, or emotional factors.

One of the most common causes of Sleep Enuresis is the inability to develop the antidiuretic hormone cycle in some people. In this cycle, which is typically developed by individuals by the age of 2 to 6, the pituitary gland releases a hormone at night that promotes water retention in the kidneys, thereby reducing urine output till sunrise. Failure to develop this hormone cycle naturally leads to Sleep Enuresis.

An overactive bladder can also cause Sleep Enuresis in many children. By nature, muscle spasms occur in the bladder during urine retention and removal. When these spasms become too active or uncontrollable, the bladder is incapable of holding the normal amount of urine, which eventually results in accidental urination during sleep.

Another common hereditary factor is failure to develop an awareness that enables a person to awaken before urinating on bed. This awareness is normally developed by children during the natural process of learning how to control the bladder while awake.

Besides these common causes, medical disorders such as diabetes, urinary tract infection, sleep apnea or epilepsy and psychiatric disorders may also cause individuals to develop Sleep Enuresis.

Treatments:

Simple behavior modifications can be very effective treatments for children with enuretic episodes. For example, intake of liquids and dietary bladder irritants such as citrus products should be discouraged before bedtime. Taking note of when the enuresis actually occurs, and waking and taking the child to toilet before that hour, can also be very helpful.

Psychological treatments such as encouragement of self-reliance, participation in management, inculcation of self-respect and responsibility are also recommended by many experts. Physical punishments and coercion, on the other hand, are considered to be the most counterproductive measures and should be avoided at all costs.

Using devices such as bedwetting alarms and moisture alarms, combined with bladder muscle exercises, dietary changes, retention control training etc can also be helpful remedies in treating Sleep Enuresis.

For some of the more severe cases that cannot be treated by behavior modification, alarm devices and other treatment methods, using medications such as Desmopressin, a synthetic substitute for the missing antidiuretic hormone discussed earlier, is found to be very effective. Desmopressins such as DDAVP, Stimate, and Minrin can easily be administered nasally or intravenously.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Deep Sleep Disorder - 4 Knock Your Socks Off Solutions

The deep sleep disorder which most people are familiar with is insomnia. While nearly everyone experiences some degree of difficulty in falling asleep and staying in a state of restful sleep at some point in time, this occasional problem is not the true definition of insomnia.

So, what is the actual definition?

When actual insomnia occurs, it is generally a persistent problem. This can affect the person's health, mental and emotional states, level of productivity in daily life, and can even pose the risk of an accident or injury.

Contrary to common belief, deep sleep disorder is not something which you must simply learn to live with. You do not need to cope with the frustration of tossing and turning all night, unable to drift comfortably into sleep no matter how tired you may be.

You also do not have to cope with the effects it can have on your health and everyday life. Fortunately there are solutions. In most cases, deep sleep disorder can be treated so that this problem and its effects will no longer be in control of your life.

1. The best method of dealing with deep sleep disorder is to have a medical evaluation to determine the cause. Your family physician is an excellent choice, as he or she can screen you to find whether you have any medical conditions which may be causing your insomnia. Your doctor can also assess various aspects of your lifestyle.

If you do not have any medical causes, your deep sleep disorder may be the result of your:

2. diet

3. medications which you may be taking

4. emotional factors such as depression or severe stress.

After the cause has been found, your physician can then decide on the course of action which is best for your individual circumstances.

Deep sleep disorder does not need to ruin the overall quality of your life, including your ability to enjoy your life to its fullest. When you get appropriate treatment for your problem, whether this involves medication or making adjustments to your lifestyle, you will begin to feel the wonderful effects of restful sleep again. There is no better way to start a day than to awaken from a full night of peaceful sleep. After your deep sleep disorder has been addressed, you will be delighted with how much quality sleep will enhance your life.

Issues Regarding Children's Sleep Problems

Every now and again children can suffer from sleep problems. These problems can go from some infrequent not very serious issues to very frequent, quite serious episodes.

What Are Children's Sleep Problems?

Children's sleep problems are basically any type of condition that can prevent a child from sleeping through the night. They can be a varied condition that can come and go or maybe even stick around for months on end. The type of sleep problem that the child will experience will determine how long it could last, it will also determine the types of possible solutions to the problem. Different Types of Children's Sleep Problems

The issue of children's sleep problems is a fairly wide category used to describe a sleep-related disorder. There are lots of different types of sleep problems that affect children. Episodes such as child bed wetting and having bad nightmares can both be termed under the listing of children's sleep problems.

Symptoms of Children's Sleep Problems

Because sleep problems experienced by children is a fairly big category, it is quite hard to pinpoint exactly what the symptoms are and how they relate to the problem, as they will depend on the type of sleep problem which the child is experiencing. To provide an example with the case of bed wetting, the symptoms include wetting the bed during the night and experiencing fear related to doing so. This is just one type of sleep problem and two of the symptoms which go along with it.

Can Children's Sleep Problems Be Treated?

Whenever ones child is experiencing a sleep problem it could be quite alarming to the parents of the child who experiences the condition. But parents can be pleased to note that many of the children's sleep problems experienced are ones that should in time go away on their own. This is normally true when taking into regard bed wetting incidents. For those who wish to get more answers in relation to these conditions, consulting with the child's pediatrician is a good way to gain a better insight. When all is said and done, it is quite important to bear in mind that many of these issues relate to how old the child actually is, and once the child gets out of certain childhood stages the parents may notice that these sleep conditions tend to slowly diminish and finally go away.

Summary

Most of children's sleep problems in this day and age are due to the current age of the child. Lots of these sleep problems are short lived and will go away on their own. It is always important to consult with the child's pediatrician in the instance that the parents are worried about the condition or if the condition persists. However, parents may rest easy knowing that sleep problems which affect children usually resolve themselves. Although it can be a bit scary to both child and parent, sleep problems can often be seen as a temporary issue.

Sleeping Disorders - Types and Causes

Sleeping disorder is generally found in people of all ages and because of a hectic life people today have. Excessive work pressures some times make them feel un comfortable sleeping in night which in turn makes them restless. Medically this condition is called sleeping disorder. Sleep deprivation can make you, tired, have less focus, irritable, a lower frustration level and can lead to exhibiting behavior that's more emotional and impulsive.

Sleeping disorder is a kind of sickness; most common forms prevailing these days are:

• Bruxism


• Delayed sleep phase syndrome


• Hypopnea


• Narcolepsy


• Night sweats


• Night terror


• Periodic limb movement disorder


• Parasmania


• Rapid eye movement


• Rest less leg syndrome


• Sleepwalking


• Snoring

Let us discuss each of them briefly here:

Bruxism :- Bruxism is the unconscious clenching of teeth, done by jaw. This is an oral activity that is most of the people suffer from when they are highly in depressed condition or are feeling rest less in night and can't sleep properly. It is the major cause of bruxism.

DSPS :- Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome is also known as sleep phase disorder this happens at sleeping time. It is usually known as body timing system, if you are not waking up at proper time and feels uncomfortable in the morning or feels sleepy at work, and then you may be having symptoms of DSPS.

Hypopnea: -Hypopnea is a kind of sleep disorder which is also identified as abnormal shallow breathing when somebody transfers oxygen to the body and carbon dioxide out of the body. This is related with the flow of air. This happens because of excessive sleepiness.

Narcolepsy: - Excessive day time sleepiness while one already slept whole night is also called Narcolepsy, hypnogogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, automatic activities ,are the symptoms of EDS.

Night sweets:- Sweating or night sweat is also a cause of skin disorder, when some person have excessive sweating in night, clammy and dump beds absorb them and when you wake up in the morning. Find that your bed soaked to them. Sweating is a natural body task but this is the cause of many problems, diabetes, anemia, bed injuries and many more.

Night terror: - Night terror used to fall in children basically of 5 to 10 years, horrible dreams and faces fear while alone are the symptoms of night terror. Some times young people also prone from this night terror.

Sleepwalking Children - 4 Must Knows For Worried Parents

Somnambulism or sleepwalking, as it is commonly called, is found to affect around 14 percent of children between the ages of five and twelve, at least once. A quarter of these children undergo more than one sleepwalking episodes. Sleepwalking is observed more among boys and less among girls. Many children who develop this sleep disorder overcome it as they grow up and their nervous systems become stronger. By adolescence, they are more or less cured.

1. What Happens during Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is a condition in which the body can move even though the brain is half asleep. Sleepwalkers commonly get out of bed and roam all over the house. Some of them even get dressed and leave the house. Sleepwalkers' eyes remain open, and they can see what is in front of them. However, their expressions are blank and they are unable to respond either to conversation or to their names being called out.

Sleepwalkers are usually clumsy and prone to bump into things and knock them over things as they walk around the house. Usually a sleepwalking session lasts for a quarter of an hour; sometimes, it can go on for an hour or more than an hour. A child who is prone to sleepwalking usually begins walking in his or her sleep an hour or two after going to bed.

2. Sleepwalking in Children

Sleepwalking among children is due to a poorly developed sleep/wake cycle. In normal circumstances, the entire brain awakes at the same time. A sleepwalker's brain, however, is different in the sense that only a portion of it wakes up at a time. The portion of the brain that manages mobility awakens while the portion that deals with cognition and awareness is still asleep. A sleepwalking child is actually fast asleep.

Children usually grow out of this tendency, and parents do not have to worry about it. Treatment is not required. All you have to do as a parent is to take the child gently back to bed. You do not have to awaken the child.

3. Sleepwalking in Adults

About one percent adults suffer from somnambulism. They need not have had this problem as a child. Sleepwalking in adults is due to complex problems such as anxiety, sleep fragmentation, stress, sleep deprivation, and also medical disorders such as epilepsy.

Unlike children, adults have to take treatment for this condition, and the type of treatment they have to take depends on the type of dangerous situations they are exposed to during their sleepwalking sessions. For instance, sleepwalkers who open the doors and walk on a street busy with traffic is in great danger while a sleepwalker who just walks around in the hall is not in any dangerous situation. Sleepwalkers can go in for self hypnosis, behavioral therapies, and prescription medication to treat their condition.

4. Protection of Sleepwalkers

Certain precautions should be taken to protect sleepwalkers from dangerous situations. Sleepwalking adults or children should ensure that they are in a safe place during their sleepwalking session. They should take care to see that they will not get injured during a sleepwalking session.

Parents should not keep any sharp or fragile objects in a child's room. Lock the doors of a sleepwalkers room to prevent him or her from venturing out at night. Fixing a bell to alert a parent or caregiver if a child go out of the room is a great idea. Large glass doors or windows should be covered by heavy curtains to prevent sleepwalkers from trying to walk through them during their sleepwalking sessions.

Children who sleepwalk should be given ample protection till they outgrow this disorder. There is a possibility of them running into dangerous situations during their sleepwalking sessions.

What is the Best Medication For Sleep Disorders?

You may see a lot of ads on television for medication for sleep disorders but don't believe what they say. Sleep disorders come in many forms and so do the medication for a sleep disorder so choosing the right one can be difficult.

For some people, an over-the-counter medication may help them deal with their sleeping disorder if it is mild. There are pain relievers that contain ingredients meant to help you sleep but they should not be used long term. Over-the-counter medications make many people sleepy so they think that taking more medications is going to help them overcome a sleep disorder. That is not a good approach because it can cause serious health problems. When looking for medication for sleeping problems, you should not take more than recommended of any medication or mix several different medications.

Trazadone is one medication that is helpful for people with insomnia. Elavil is a medication that can force your body into REM sleep. Some people with a sleep disorder also suffer from restless leg syndrome, which also may require treatment with prescription medications.

For short-term sleep issues, Xanax, Valium, and Ativan can be helpful as can Ambian and Lunesta. You should talk to your doctor about the possible problems and benefits that are associated with all these so he can recommend the best medication for your type of sleep disorder.

In some cases, doctors prescribe opiates like codeine and oxycodone for pregnant women with restless leg syndrome. These can be taken with medications to treat allergies or other medical problems contributing to a sleep disorder. Generally, opiates are not used as medication for a sleeping disorder because they are potentially addictive. If patients are not careful, using these medications can lead to a more serious sleep disorder than they already have.

Medication for seizure disorders like Depakote and Tegretol are used to treat sleep problems caused by nocturnal eating syndrome, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia. For some patients, there are too many side effects with these medications to make using them worth the results but others don't have that problem.

You need to understand the differences between medications that are good in the long term and those that aren't. It is also important to know what to do about maintenance levels and how to avoid becoming dependent on medications. If a patient finds himself taking too much of a medication for a sleeping disorder, he needs to work with his doctor to determine what can be done.

Deep Sleep Disorder and Bedwetting

I work with the Enuresis Treatment Center, which deals only with bedwetting cases. We have treated thousands of children, teenagers, and adult. Bedwetting is a problem caused by abnormally deep sleep, which doesn't allow for the bedwetter's brain and bladder to connect so they can effectively respond to each other.

In 99% of all bedwetting cases, (based upon our research of tens of thousands of documented cases) the root cause is sleeping so deeply. It is an inherited deep-sleep disorder that results in bedwetting as well as a non-restorative, unhealthy sleep.

This compromised sleep can also result in daytime symptoms; difficulty awakening, fatigue, memory difficulty, irritability, difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can increase as a bedwetter reaches adulthood.

There is no guaranteed that someone will outgrow bedwetting, in fact after the age of seven, it is less likely. 1 in 50 teenagers, as well as 3.2 million reported cases of adults still wet the bed. More importantly, if someone were to outgrow this problem, they are then left with a sleep disorder, along with possible challenging symptoms that can no longer be treated.

Proper treatment is never simple. Self-treatment programs alone do not address the sleep disorder. Studies show a very high rate of bedwetting relapse with alarms, which gives another,failed experience. Bladder capacity and proper muscle strength must also be included during the course of treatment, regardless of the age, to ensure all bedwetting/sleep disorder symptoms' are completely addressed.

Psychological counseling has not been proven to end bedwetting.

Many medical professionals misinform patients when they blame a small bladder as the cause of bedwetting. It is actually a RESULT of the bedwetting. Moreover, restricting fluids causes further underdevelopment of the bladder, as well as dehydration.

If drugs are prescribed or considered to be at all effective, consider that once the drugs are discontinued, the bedwetting will likely resume. Drugs may serve as a temporary fix for a complicated problem, and drugs clearly produce side effects, some as yet unknown.

Our research and experience has validated that bedwetting that can be treated without drugs or invasive surgery.

The internet offers a great deal of information about bedwetting, unfortunately most of it is offered from sources that do not specialize in bedwetting treatment. When researching treatment programs, always ask for references and check staff credentials. This will give you the best insight as to success and lasting results of a program.

Cerebral Palsy Issues - Sleeping Disorders

Cerebral palsy affects a group of nervous system functions causing significant issues in their life. These neurological disorders contribute in many problems that a child has to face like not being able to walk, eat or even sleep. Cerebral palsy and sleep disorders go hand in hand with each other and are a key issue that both the parent and the affected child face. Not only this, the child will have other problems like seizures and motor development that can cause discomfort while sleeping.

Cerebral palsy usually affects infants or children below 2 years of age. Every parent looks forward to the time that the infant will fall asleep because it is only then that they can rest. Though children with cerebral palsy are same as the other children, whether they will sleep or not depends on the condition they are in. Children with cerebral palsy will have varying degree of sickness in them and it is unique with every child. The condition and problems that your child has may or may not be there in the other child. Similarly, whether your child will sleep at night or not depends on the condition of your child.

However, most of the times infants do sleep for 6-7 hours without interruption and if at all the child wakes up it will be because of hunger or wetness or bad position. The child will have to be attended to at these situations and if there is someone to respond to their needs, there won't be much problem. But as the child grows, there can be lot of sleeping disorders that will be noticed. Seizures being the most common neurological disorder that a child with cerebral palsy will face, the sleep cycle is usually disturbed. This needs adequate treatment since sleep plays an important role in any individual's daily activities. Hence, a diagnosis of the child will be required depending on which the treatment will be suggested.

In a normal sleep, a child will toss and turn throughout the night. For children with cerebral palsy, this movement can be painful due to their low motor skills and muscular issues. Physical therapy will be suggested to develop the motor skills and suitable medication is suggested to control seizures during sleep. If these are taken care of, a child has better chances of sleeping in the night without any sleep problems.

Sleeping disorders should be given due importance and treated by giving medications that include light sedatives or melatonin. Sleeping disorders can give rise to many other problems like depression, irritability, behavioral issues and health problems which will further complicate the life of a child. As the child grows, he has to be continually examined and treatment should be altered according to the changes in the child. With such cerebral palsy training, the child will learn to adapt to the different problems that can occur. In this way, the child will learn to lead a fairly normal life and with appropriate treatment and devices, they can develop motor skills too. In this way, the child will sleep more peacefully!

Sleep Disorders and Bedwetting

Studies have found that sleep disorders in children particularly obstructive sleep apnea may cause bedwetting problems as well. Children who have this sleeping problem most often have large tonsils as well as adenoids. They also have been snoring for quite some time already and this problem could include loud noises or at times include some pauses and gasps for air in order to breathe. Snoring as well as bedwetting are some of the first signs that indicate children have sleep apnea problems. Curing the sleep disorder may stop the bedwetting problem if there are no other health conditions that may be causing it.

There is no direct explanation how sleep apnea may be causing the bedwetting problem. Medical experts believe that it may be due to some hormonal changes that occur. Studies also indicate that children who had their tonsils or their adenoids removed have stopped wetting their beds. However there were some of them who still continued to have the same problem after their operation. Doctors attribute it to other factors like premature birth, gender, obesity and heredity as well. Parents may bring their children for diagnosis and for possible operation for obstructive sleep apnea in order to stop their bedwetting as well.

Parents also have to understand that there are other causes of bedwetting among children aside from obstructive sleep apnea. Some of these include bladder and kidney problems. It is better to consult with their doctors in order to find out the underlying cause of the problem. Removal of the tonsils or adenoids would stop the sleep problem and the bedwetting but it is not always the case. They have to bring their children first to an otolaryngologist to make sure about the cause of their problems with nocturnal enuresis.

Parents are advised to observe the sleeping patterns of their children. They may be able to see for themselves if their children are breathing regularly or if they tend to snore and to gasp for air several times while sleeping. Most children with sleep apnea are difficult to wake up during the night and this might be causing them to wet their beds during their sleeping time. Parents together with the help of their doctors may be able to determine if their children have sleep disorders. They may decide to have their children's tonsils or adenoids taken out provided that they are sure about it. What is important in the end is that, the parents and their doctors are doing the right thing for the benefit of the children.

Types of Child Sleep Disorders

Children have just as much risk of developing sleep issues as adults. They may toss and turn at night or wake up drenched in sweat. Child sleep disorders can affect their ability to function and take part in daily activities. They can also have an effect on their growth and development. It is important to be able to recognize symptoms of these disorders so your child can be diagnosed and get good quality sleep. Child sleep disorders have specific symptoms and treatments for these disorders vary by type. Discussed below are the common disorders found among children and their common treatments.

Night terrors are very abrupt and consist of emotional outbursts, thrashing, and fear. During the occurrences, your child is partially awake and will not remember the events once fully awake. These episodes commonly occur in children between the ages of four and eight. Never wake a child when they are experiencing one of these episodes. If the episodes become very severe, you may need to speak with your pediatrician about treatment options.

Sleep walking is another common disorder that occurs in children between the ages of eight and twelve. They may sit up or walk around with their eyes open and mumble. Children often outgrow sleep walking when they reach their teens. Safety is most important due to unknown hazards while moving around in their sleep. Try to intervene as little as possible. You can awaken your child regularly and minimize the number of episodes they have.

Bed wetting occurs in many children between the ages of six and twelve. It happens during non-rapid eye movement sleep with general causes being a common family problem, slow development, and bladder capacity problems. It can also be caused by emotional distress. Treatments such as reinforcement training, teaching bladder control, and medications can help with the problem. If the bedwetting is caused by emotional distress, finding out the source of your child's distress and dealing with it can often eliminate it.

A more serious disorder that can affect children is sleep apnea. It is more common in adults but is also detected in a small percentage of children. A child suffering from this disorder will have difficulty breathing while asleep, often mouth breathe, and be very fatigued in the day time. For children, sleep apnea is not as serious as it is for adults. In adults, the airway can become completely blocked and breathing stops. The most common sleep apnea treatment for children is removing their tonsils. A secondary sleep apnea treatment that can be used is continued positive airway pressure. This is a home treatment where a machine is used to apply air pressure to the passageway in order to keep it unblocked throughout the night.

Determining if your child is suffering from child sleep disorders is the hardest part. If you notice symptoms are behaviors that you believe might be caused by sleep issues, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician and discuss what you are seeing. They can do further testing and diagnosis to determine if a problem exists and may recommend that your child sees a sleep specialist for the best treatment options.

How to Treat Sleep Problems in Children

It's estimated that a quarter of young children have severe long and short term sleep problems. A prolonged sleep disorder can have a profound impact on a child's development. Studies have shown that kids who are sleep deprived don't perform well in school, exhibit behavioral problems and are more susceptible to illnesses.

As a parent, there are simple things that you can do to help your child get a better night of sleep. Read on for more information on the symptoms of common sleep problems in children and the treatment options available.

New parents are often very concerned about how much bedtime their baby is getting. Newborn infants have irregular bedtime cycles and sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours per day. However, they may only not stay awake for 1 or 2 hours at a time.

As children get older, the total number of hours they need for not to stay awake decreases. A pre-school child may still need to sleep 10 to 12 hours each day, whereas a school aged child sleeps about 10 hours each day. It is important to remember that each child's sleeping pattern will be different.

It is well known that a child who has a sleep problem will also develop behavioral and attention problems in school. A recent study reported that 37% of school aged children experience significant, nocturnal sleeping issues. Problems may include a reluctance to go to bed, disrupted sleep, nightmares and sleepwalking.

In older children, bedwetting can also become a challenge. Such problems are also common in kids with ADHD. It is important to try and figure out if these issues, especially if your child has difficulty falling asleep, are a side effect of any ADHD medication he or she might be taking.

Sleep problems in children can no doubt be thwarted if a regular bedtime schedule is followed to ensure that your child gets enough rest. Start by establishing a quiet time before bed. This is a good time to take a bath and read a story. By winding down, your child will be able to fall asleep quicker.

Once the body adjusts to a set schedule, he or she is more likely to be sleepy at the same time every night. If your child suffers from night terrors or nightmares, then make him more comfortable by turning on a night light in the room and allowing him to sleep with a favorite toy. Physical comfort, such as a firm sleep foundation is also key to a good night of sleep, as well as roomy and cozy pajamas.

Kids learn from example, so follow a regular bedtime ritual yourself. If your child's symptoms persist, then consider seeing a bedtime specialist. Sometimes sleep problems in children can be caused by depression or other anxiety disorders.

However, remember that each child is different. If they're energetic and active during the day, then don't worry if they're having occasional sleepless nights.

Sleeping Problems In Children - How Parents Can Recognize Sleep Disorders In Children & Take Action

A recent study has shown that today's children suffer from sleeplessness and other sleeping disorders to a great extent. Sleeping problems in children have become something very common and 2 out of 10 children suffer from sleeping disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea to name a few. So, the quality of a child's sleep has become a very common concern for many parents.

The number of children brought to physicians and pediatricians in the last two years have really raised the question why today's children are suffering from such disorders. Sleep deprivation has adverse effects on the child and it can totally affect his social and moral behavior. Parents need to take the matter more seriously and find out whether their hectic lifestyle where they can give very little time to their children is one of the factors responsible for this.

Children may suffer from sleeping problems dues to many factors. Bedwetting could be one reason, as a wet bed is uncomfortable for sleep. Other reasons include going late to bed, drinking beverages containing caffeine such as coffee from a very young age, nightmares because of their exposure to horror movies.

They may also suffer from sleeping problems because of night terror due to their wild imagination from images on TV, teething or bruxism, stomach disorders, snoring or sleep apenea, ADHD, autism, stress, mental retardation, hyperactivity and anxiety, being deprived of parental care and love, discomfort of bed. Due to all these causes a precise definition of sleep disorder in children is very difficult.

Children who suffer from sleeping problems either don't sleep at all at night or sleep very little. They may sleep but not soundly. They may wake up several times at night or just try hard to bring sleep closing their eyes. It is very important to take care of such developments because sleep deprivation will usually have bad consequences. Children will be affected both physically and mentally.

Sleeping problems may make a child physically weak and he may lose weight, start showing symptoms of growth retardation, lose interest in eating and may keep to himself. The sleeplessness may disturb the mental balance of the child and may make him rude or aggressive. He will find difficulty in social bonding, will have discipline problems in school, suffer from mood swings, develop an aloof nature, show irritability, may talk in sleep, have memory loss, among the conditions.

Thus it is very essential to take immediate steps if your child complains of sleeplessness or you observe symptoms of sleeping disorders in your child. Sleeping problems in children need medical attention and parents must act according to suggestions of a physician immediately indeed.

Sleep Disorders in Children

Many children experience sleep disorders. They vary from night terrors and sleep walking to serious breathing disorders. The most common causes of daytime sleep are insufficient sleep at night and abnormal or other unhygienic sleep practices.

About 30% of children have sleep disorders in their childhood. The sleep-environment history of a person is a very important factor when diagnosing sleep disorders. A child cycles between light and deep sleep phases during sleep. During each light sleep, there is more chance for the child to wake up. Normally, school aged children need 9 to 12 hours of sleep at night. If a child can go to bed, fall asleep, wake up easily and not felt tired during the day, then he is getting enough sleep.

The symptoms of children's sleep disorders are often different than the symptoms of an adult. So it is important that for parents and caregivers give special attention when treating a child?s sleep disorders. The common symptoms include falling asleep in the classroom, during conversations, during a journey, or while watching the television or reading a book. Carelessness and mood swings are often symptoms of sleep disorders.

The most common sleep disorders include nightmares/night terrors, sleepwalking/talking, bruxism, head banging or rolling and bedwetting (enuresis.) A child's fear of the dark can worsen sleep disorders. This often results in nightmares. Sleepwalking, also called somnambulism) is a harmless disorder if the parents can make the environment safe. Talking while asleep is also harmless. Bruxism (grinding and gnashing the teeth during sleep) is an annoying sleep disturber. It can even lead to dental problems. Most children are head rollers or head bangers during their sleep. It is another harmless disorder that would normally disappear before adolescence. It is advisable to consult a doctor in case of prolonged occurrence of bedwetting.

The most common breathing disorder derived from sleep disorders is apnea (OSA). It is very common in preschool-age children. Its symptoms are snoring, restless sleep, breathing interruption, chronic mouth breathing, difficulty awakening, bedwetting and problems with school performance. Pediatric sleep disorders are mostly treatable diseases.