Intrinsic Sleep Disorders

and extrinsic disorders have external causes,

while a third dyssomnia consists of circadian rhythm disruption, like one's body clock becoming out of phase (eg jetlag, shift work).

Sleep disorders affect about one–third of the population.

While individuals of all ages—even infants—can be affected, the elderly are more prone to sleep disorders or dyssomnias, (disorders of the amount, quality, or timing of sleep.)

Intrinsic sleep disorders include:

- psychophysiologic insomnia (or "learned" insomnia, due to environmental or lifestyle stimuli). Sometimes the brain will associate stimuli that it should not, such as being in bed together with being awake, eg if you work in bed,

- idiopathic insomnia or idiopathic hypersomnia, (a lifelong record of poor sleep or sleepiness),

- narcolepsy (constant sleepiness is an inheritable condition which, in large part, consists of dysfunction of the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep.

- obstructive sleep apnea

- central sleep apnea syndrome,

- central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome, (Ondine's curse),respiratory arrests during sleep, a serious form of centralsleep apnea,

- periodic limb movements in sleep disorder and restless legs syndrome. These are characterised by "creeping" feelings in the legs and sometimes arms, especially when the body is relaxed before sleep.

There is an irresistible compulsion to move and sometimes jerks wake you up. Often you may wake with these urges. With PMLS the legs kick rhythmically for a short time.

Disturbed sleep, daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and the inability to feel refreshed and rested in the morning are the result of all types of insomnia.

Causes. Abruptly stopping a medication or alcohol after long-term use,or the side-effect of a new medication sometimes disrupts sleep.

Overactive thyroid or aging can also be a cause of intrinsic sleep disorders.

A narrow throat, a big tongue and short thick neck can contribute to sleep apnea, as can nasal congestion or blockage, deviated septum or loss of muscle tone due to aging.

See Causes of sleep apnea.

Treatment. Prescription drugs such as Ativan, Valium or Elavil are sedatives, improving sleep.

Hypnotic medications such as Ambien and Sonata induce sleep more quickly and are less addictive.

Preventive Methods: Good sleep starts with good sleep hygiene. Sleep experts suggest sleeping will be harder if you are not tired, so get some exercise during the day.

The sleeping environment should be comfortable, quiet and dark. The bedroom should be used for sleeping and sex, not tv, reading, working etc.

Waking up and sleeping at the same time everyday is vital for good sleep and health.

Stimulants like caffeine, chocolate, cheese and alcohol should be avoided before sleep.

Daytime napping should be limited as it can confuse your body clock. A power nap of 20 minutes can be refreshing and energise you for the rest of the day.

See sleep apnea sleep tips.

For most of the manifestations of intrinsic sleep disorders there is treatment, whether medication, lifestyle changes or even surgery.

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