Definition:
Sleep disorders are changes in sleeping habits or patterns. Signs and symptoms may include excessive sleep during daytime hours, increased movement during sleep, irregular breathing, and difficulty breathing. With proper diagnosis, sleep disorders can be treated effectively.
Sleep disorders are changes in sleeping habits or patterns. Signs and symptoms may include excessive sleep during daytime hours, increased movement during sleep, irregular breathing, and difficulty breathing. With proper diagnosis, sleep disorders can be treated effectively.
There are over 80 different types of sleeping disorders, and it is common for a person to have more than one sleep disorder. They can be categorized into 6 categories which include: Insomnias, Hypersomias, Sleep Breathing Disorders, Circadian Rhythm Disorders, Parasomnias, and Sleep Movement Disorders. However, the most common sleep disorders are insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, night terror and restless legs syndrome. A sleep disorder can affect a person's health, safety, and quality of life.
Rare Sleep Disorder: Kleine-Levin Syndrome
Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), also known as 'Sleeping Beauty Syndrome' is a rare disorder whereby symptoms include periodic episodes of hypersomnia (which is excessive daytime sleepiness), which leads to cognitive and behavioral problems during moments when the patient is awake. Prior to an episode, a patient will become increasingly sleepy, and will sleep for most of the day and night, only waking up to eat or use the bathroom. This may last for days, weeks, or even months. According to a researcher named Isabelle Arnulf (2008), about 1-2 million people around the world suffer from KLS, and reported cases estimate about 68-78 percent are male and 81 percent are adolescents. The causes of KLS are still unknown however the medical community suggest it may be related to malfunctions in the thalamus and hypothalamus regions of the brain which deal with regulating sleep pattern and appetite. |
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