Medication can sometimes relieve temporary sleeplessness, but a long-term problem may indicate an underlying medical condition. Fortunately, sleep disorder treatment Houston TX can help people suffering from these common sleep conditions.
Sleep Apnea
Muscles at the back of the throat that overly relax during sleep obstruct the airways and prevent breathing for several seconds. A person with Obstructive Sleep Apnea will eventually gasp for air and awaken suddenly. When this repeatedly happens during the sleep cycle, restorative sleep is not possible.
Central sleep apnea occurs when there is a disruption in the message from the central nervous system to the muscles that control breathing. An individual will eventually awaken gasping for air. Sometimes a person may experience both forms of apnea.
Sleep apnea can raise a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and daytime fatigue. Treatment may include wearing a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device that gently forces oxygen into the airway during sleep. Alternatively, surgery may open the blocked airway by reducing the amount of soft tissue at the back of the throat. Occasionally, dental mouth guards are effective.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Some people experience difficulty falling asleep because they can not relax their legs due to twitching and uncomfortable urges to move them. In addition to preventing someone from falling asleep, this condition can wake a person during sleep by causing sporadic disruptive leg movements.
Although it is unclear why Restless Leg Syndrome occurs, sometimes it accompanies medical conditions including spine and kidney disease, neuropathy or anemia. Treating an underlying condition may provide symptom relief. When the condition is idiopathic and chronic, a doctor may prescribe one of several drugs to relieve the discomfort or induce sleep.
Sleepless nights can affect your mood, your relationships, your job and your well-being. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, a proper diagnosis can lead to relief.
