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Trouble Sleeping?- Maybe You Two Should Sleep in Separate Beds!

I am not kidding here—a new study came out suggesting that couples who have trouble sleeping and who sleep in the same bed may get better sleep if they sleep in separate beds. Apparently around 25 percent of U.S. couples sleep in different beds or rooms, according to the National Sleep Foundation. This is no [...]

Night Shift Workers–Health Risks of Poor Sleep

It’s estimated that at least 20% of the workforce in the USA and in Europe work the so-called graveyard shift, either as their primary shift, or at least more than half of the time—that includes yours truly. A new study has confirmed what was suspected by many—that night shift workers face significant health risks, and [...]

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Twitching While Sleeping

October 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Understanding Twitching while sleeping

Twitching while sleeping is a symptom and not a diagnosis of a disease and it is medically referred to as Sleep Myoclonus. This is the involuntary, sudden, twitching or jerking up in muscle or several muscles. Sometimes this twitching can occur in sequence or alone, with a pattern or without a pattern. This twitching may occur several times each minute or it may occur infrequently. This twitching, however, cannot be controlled by the person that is experiencing it.

The symptom of twitching while sleeping typically occurs during the first phase of sleep. It especially occurs during the moments of drifting off to sleep. Some forms of this type of myoclonus seem to be sensitive to stimulus. Some people that have twitching while sleeping rarely need treatment or are troubled by this condition. But, sleep myoclonus can be a symptom of a more disturbing and complex sleep disorder like restless leg syndrome, and if that’s the case it might just require a doctor’s treatment.

The causes of twitching while sleeping may develop as a response to a disorder but the truth is that the specific mechanics of the underlying issue is not fully understood. Some scientists believe that twitching while sleeping may because by over excitability in the portion of the brain that controls that movement. Some studies have suggested that an imbalance in brain chemicals may be an underlying cause for twitching while sleeping.

Some research has speculated that deficiencies or abnormalities in the receptors of some neuro transmitters may be responsible for some types of myoclonus. However, more research is needed in order to be able to determine how it is that these abnormalities can contribute or cause twitching while sleeping.


Treatment for Twitching While Sleeping

In the majority of cases there is no treatment that is indicated for twitching while sleeping. However, if treatment is necessary, then there are medications that can help reduce the symptoms. The drug of choice to treat myoclonus is a tranquilizer called clonazepam. When this drug is prescribed it is usually increased gradually until the person improves or its side effects become harmful. Loss of coordination and drowsiness are very common side effects for this drug. Also, the beneficial effects of clonazepam can diminish with time because the individual can develop a tolerance for this drug.

Other drugs that can be used to treat twitching while sleeping include primidone and barbiturates. Primidone is an effective antiepileptic drug, however it can have harmful long-term effects and can even cause liver failure. Barbiturates help to slow down the nervous system and causes antiseizure and tranquilizing effects. An alternative therapy for this condition is sodium valproate taken alone or in combination with clonazepam. These medications are effective for most people that suffer from this condition. However, some people do have an adverse reaction to these drugs.

Because of the complex origins of twitching while sleeping condition or sleep myoclonus. It may require the use of multiple drugs in order to find an effective treatment. Some drugs have been found to have a limited effect when used on a person, however they seem to have a greater effect when used with other drugs that act on the different mechanisms or pathways in the brain. Doctors and scientists hope that by combining several these drugs, they may be able to achieve greater control of twitching while sleeping symptoms.

Filed Under: Sleep-Troublesome Actions, Sleeping Disorders Tagged With: , ,

What Are the Common Types of Sleep Disorders?

July 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Sleep is our body’s natural coping mechanism against wear and tear, it is our body’s way to rest and recharge, and sleep disorders are generally understood to be disruptions to this natural mechanism. It is a state of non-consciousness, and inactivity–all our senses are generally suspended during sleep, therefore making us less responsive to any external stimuli. It is relatively easier to recover from and definitely more reversible than coma or hibernation as observed in animals; meaning, under normal circumstances, we can easily awaken from sleep. A person should have at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep everyday so it can function well. During sleep, our body rejuvenates its immune, skeletal, nervous, and muscular and digestive systems. Having good skin and complexion has also been linked to having enough sleep. The importance of sleep cannot be stressed enough for the proper and efficient function of the human body. Sleep deprivation and disorders will definitely take their toll on a person’s productivity and basic daily functions.

A sleep disorder should therefore not be taken too lightly. While some sleep disturbances are temporary, other types of sleep disorders might be potentially more serious than they may appear. There are several medical conditions which can lead to sleep disorder. Aside from sleep deprivation, which is in itself is already a problem; sleep disorders can also be signs of more serious physical and emotional conditions. There are many types of sleep disorders; there can be sleep disorders in adults and sleep disorders in children. Types of sleep disorders are generally classified into three categories, namely, lack of sleep, disturbed sleep, and excessive sleep.

The more popular type of sleep disorder under the category lack of sleep is called Insomnia. Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder where there is difficulty in falling or remaining asleep. Patients usually complain of the inability to fall asleep. And when they do get to sleep, patients find it hard to maintain sleep, oftentimes waking up in the middle of the night. A lot of insomnia cases are linked to patients’ personal and environmental stressful conditions, and the condition is observed more in adults than in children.

The next type of sleep disorder, disturbed sleep, has more varied sub-types. One of the more prevalent an potentially life threatening is sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by pause or interrupted breathing while sleeping. The patient may go on years without being aware he or she has the condition. Sleep apnea has been associated with fatigue and sleepiness while awake, even as the patient had seemingly complete hours of sleep the previous night.

The third type of sleep disorder, excessive sleep, is medically known as narcolepsy. It is a neurological condition where patient sleeps in abnormally long hours of sleep. Narcolepsy is also characterized by an uncontrollable urge to go to sleep during inappropriate times within the day, regardless if the patient has enough sleep the previous night. People with narcolepsy can also experience hallucinations at the onset of sleep called hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis for a brief time after waking up, and muscle weakness or paralysis.

Other types of sleep disorders not discussed here but are also commonly widely experienced include snoring, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements of sleep, and bed wetting or enuresis, among others.

Filed Under: Sleeping Disorders Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,