Welcome to Sleep Disorder
What Is Central Sleep Apnea Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Restless Legs Syndrome - The Management of a Serious Sleep Disorder
from: Donald SaundersRestless legs syndrome, or RLS, is seen as both a neuromuscular disorder and a sleep disorder. Less frequently diagnosed than sleep disorders like narcolepsy, sleep apnea and insomnia, restless legs syndrome is nonetheless a significant and serious sleep problem.
Characterized by a tingling, crawling or prickling sensation in the legs and feet, restless legs syndrome sufferers experience an overwhelming desire to move their legs in order to find relief. Many sufferers also find that the symptoms seem to worsen in the late afternoon and evening, especially when sitting or lying down.
Restless legs syndrome can also include instances of periodic limb movement (PLM), a condition characterized by the sudden, involuntary movement or twitching of the legs and feet – often to the extent that it disrupts sleep. It is the overwhelming desire to move the legs and the frequent presences of periodic limb movement that, in large part, earn restless legs syndrome its classification as a sleep disorder.
Chronic instances of restless legs syndrome make it virtually impossible for the sufferer to get to sleep, let alone stay asleep, thereby generating a related case of severe insomnia. If left untreated, the condition, and the resulting insomnia, can lead to severe physical and psychological health problems. In fact, restless legs syndrome is often associated with depression and irritability, as well as occupational, social and marital problems.
As with most common sleep disorders, diagnosing restless legs syndrome can take time and a proper diagnosis requires the attention of an experienced medical professional. Because some of the symptoms can be associated with other neuromuscular and sleep disorders, it is also important to undergo specialized sleep tests before a diagnosis is confirmed. These tests can include neurological evaluations, reflex tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as somnography (sleep pattern analysis).
Once the diagnosis has been established, the treatment and management of restless legs syndrome can include simple lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments and activities to promote a better night's sleep. Because the symptoms typically become more severe with fatigue or inactivity, maintaining a regular sleep schedule with a consistent bed time and waking time is extremely important. Likewise, regular exercise and limited caffeine and nicotine intake can also help limit the neurological stimulation that triggers restless legs symptoms.
Additional options for managing this condition, and other sleep disorders, include massage, yoga and guided meditation for relaxation (a good complement to regular exercise and planned activities for reducing the symptoms of restless legs syndrome) and the use of natural herbal remedies that can help train the body to adhere to a routine sleep cycle and induce a restful and restorative night's sleep.
Copyright © 2005 Donald Saunders Help Me To Sleep Affiliates
About the Author
Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including:
"Help Me To Sleep - A Guide To Natural Sleep Remedies", "Jet Lag - An Alternative Approach", "Shift Work Insomnia" and "The Art of Meditation - A Guide To Meditation, Breathing and Relaxation Techniques"
For further details please visit Restless Legs Syndrome
What Is Central Sleep Apnea News
The mask: Life insurance and sleep apnea -- treatment lowers your rates - Fox Business
The mask: Life insurance and sleep apnea -- treatment lowers your rates Fox Business During episodes of sleep apnea, oxygen levels in the blood drop. Episodes can be caused by obstruction of the upper airway (obstructive sleep apnea) or by a failure of the brain to initiate breathing (central sleep apnea). |
Landmark Sleep Apnea, Heart Failure Study Recruits 1000th Participant - MarketWatch (press release)
Landmark Sleep Apnea, Heart Failure Study Recruits 1000th Participant MarketWatch (press release) MUNICH, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- SERVE-HF, the largest study to investigate if treatment of predominant central sleep apnea (CSA) improves survival and outcomes of patients with stable heart failure, has enrolled its 1000th participant. |
Sleep Apnea: Disorder Linked to Higher Cancer Death - WebProNews
Sleep Apnea: Disorder Linked to Higher Cancer Death WebProNews By Todd Rigney · 1 hour ago · Leave a Comment Sleep apnea, a disorder which occurs when breathing is interrupted during slumber, has been linked to increased chances of cancer death in human beings. According to a recent study, those suffering from ... |
Neighborhood Health Plan Launches Sleep Management Program - MarketWatch (press release)
Neighborhood Health Plan Launches Sleep Management Program MarketWatch (press release) SMS has also built a network of sleep therapy providers who will assist with the initial home set up of sleep therapy for NHP members diagnosed with obstructive or central sleep apnea. "There is medical evidence that shows treatment for obstructive ... |
Landmark Sleep Apnea, Heart Failure Study Recruits 1000th Participant - EIN News (press release)
Landmark Sleep Apnea, Heart Failure Study Recruits 1000th Participant EIN News (press release) SERVE-HF, the largest study to investigate if treatment of predominant central sleep apnea (CSA) improves survival and outcomes of patients with stable heart failure, has enrolled its 1000 th participant. The study, sponsored by ResMed Ltd., ... |
A Way Out of Sleep Apnea - Huffington Post
A Way Out of Sleep Apnea Huffington Post The doctor diagnosed me with Non Obstructive Sleep Apnea (NOSA) or "Central Sleep Apnea" because it is believed to be a symptom of an incurable disease that affects the Central Nervous System. Remedies? None. Only one recommendation: to connect to a ... |
ApniCure Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance to Market Winx(TM) Sleep Therapy System ... - SYS-CON Media (press release)
ApniCure Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance to Market Winx(TM) Sleep Therapy System ... SYS-CON Media (press release) (2) The Winx Sleep Therapy System is intended for use only by order of a physician. It should not be used to treat central sleep apnea or by anyone who has a severe respiratory disorder, such as severe lung disease, pneumothorax, etc.; has loose teeth ... |