Narcolepsy – a medical condition that results in extreme tiredness, sleep paralysis and even hallucinations – is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Before understanding what narcolepsy is, it’s a good idea to know what narcolepsy isn’t. People with narcolepsy do not collapse or fall asleep without warning, they don’t act under the power of suggestion while asleep, they don’t fall or collapse before dozing, and their condition can’t be “cured” by simply getting more ... [Read More]
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What Is Shift-Work Sleep Disorder?
Not every job is 9 to 5. Many people work second shift, third shift, double shifts, and/or rotating shifts. About 20 percent of workers in the U.S. perform some kind of shift work. Unfortunately, working shifts while it’s dark outside can lead to a disruption in sleep called shift-work sleep disorder (SWSD). SWSD occurs due to the disruption in the natural circadian rhythm, which makes you want to sleep when it’s dark outside and be awake when it’s light. Your circadian rhythm is based on a ... [Read More]
Sleep Disorders and Pregnancy
Being pregnant is no walk in the park. Women’s bodies go through an amazing slew of changes in a relatively quick period of time. The ever-changing hormones, weight gain, back issues, exhaustion, and a fetus sitting right on top of the bladder can make the whole process very difficult. Add to that list of burdens the lack of quality sleep during pregnancy. This is often due to the rapidly changing physical characteristics of a woman’s body. Some common sleep disorders that can develop during p ... [Read More]
Triggers for Restless Legs Syndrome
Lack of a good night’s rest can really take a toll on quality of life. According to the National Sleep Foundation, one in ten American adults suffers from Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED) – more commonly known as Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). This neurologic sensorimotor disorder creates the sensation or urge of having to constantly move one’s legs, and is marked by crawling, throbbing, itching, or aching sensations in these limbs. RLS usually occurs in the evening hours. The sensations are worse at ... [Read More]
How the Moon Affects Sleep
When we think of celestial power, most likely we think of the sun: solar power, warming the earth, helping things grow. But what about the moon? Believe it or not, the moon is responsible for a variety of things you might not have considered, besides the ebb and flow and tides, the moon, especially the full moon, has been linked to spikes in crime, an increase in animal bites, and episodes of insanity. (No wonder it’s called lunacy!) But did you know the full moon can actually affect the qu ... [Read More]
