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Essay on Common Sleep Disorders and Their Profound Effects

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Sleep disorders are common among many people. A sleep disorder is defined as consistent sleep disturbance that interferes with daytime functions and cause the subject distress. Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy are just few common sleep disorders. Adequate sleep is important for a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Seven out of ten people experience regular sleep disruptions (Thorpy, 2005 p.154). Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders among adults. Insomnia is defined by the quality, duration, and the ability to fall and stay asleep (Bootzin & Epstein, 2011 p155). Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from insomnia due to pregnancy and stressful situations such as divorce or unemployment (Edinger & Means, …show more content…

Research points to many factors in the development of narcolepsy, including chromosomal, brain, neurotransmitter, and immune system abnormalities called hypocretins (De la Herran-Arita & others, 2011 p 156). Hypocretins is a deficiency in the production of a chemical. Physical exams and a look into a person’s medical history can accurately diagnose narcolepsy. Sleep apnea is a the most serious sleep disorder, the most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea also known as (OSA), OSA is defined as a sleep disorder in the which the person repeatedly stops breathing during sleep. During a sleep apnea episode, the diaphragm and chest muscles work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air into the lungs, which can reduce the flow of oxygen to vital organs and cause irregular heart rhythms. OSA can disrupt the quality of a person sleep, daytime grogginess, poor concentration, memory and learning problems (Weaver & George, 2005. p 155). A night’s sleep can result in, 300 or sleep apnea episodes (Schwab & others, 2005 p 155). According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 12 million people in the U.S. have sleep apnea, an of that over half are overweight. Sleep apnea can often be treated with lifestyle changes such as limited drinking of alcohol and or losing weight (Hoffstein, 2005; Powell & others, 2005 p 155). More severe cases of sleep apnea can be treated with continuous positive

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