There are many types of sleep disorder, but they have the following general symptoms: (a) increased irritability, (b) sleepiness during the day, (c) difficulty in staying awake while in the sitting posture, (d) concentration difficulty, (e) looks tired, (f) slow reaction or response to stimuli, (g) napping every day, (h) and craving for caffeinated drinks just to stay awake. Each type of sleep disorder has its own distinct features, occurrence or demographics, and risk factors. Physicians treat them using various means (Chokroverty 127).
There diverse risk factors associated with sleep disorders, but the most common include: (1) medical and psychiatric problems, (2) awful sleep routines, (3) age, (4) use of drugs like alcohol (5) health problems such as obesity. Note that these factors increase the risk of acquiring many different types of sleep disorders such as psychophysiologic insomnia, sleep walking, narcolepsy, etc. Note further that the majority of sleep disorder are caused by more than one risk factor.
The statistics related to people with sleep disorder vary per type of sleep disorder. For Psychophysiologic Insomnia, demographic records show that around 15% of insomniacs are identified to have psychophysiologic insomnia. Normally start in 20s or 30s and worsen in mid-adulthood and more often found in females. It may have a genetic origin (Guilleminault and Lugaresi, 87). For Narcolepsy it is projected to happen in 0.03-0.16% of the population. Studies imply a much lesser incidence in Israeli Jews. Most usually starts in the 2nd decade (peak rate on 14 years old). Cataplexy infrequently leads the beginning of sleepiness. No difference for males and females and rarely happens on a family basis (Guilleminault, 99). Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Syndrome commonly occurs in adult obese males and females. The occurrence is 4% for males and 2% for females. It can happen from infancy to maturity and abundant during 40-60 yrs of age. There is a familial tendency but the genetic factor is not distinguished (Lugaresi, et al., 290). Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) is unusual in children and develops with age (up to 34% of patients over the age of 60 years). It was reported to take place in 1-15% of patients suffering from insomnia and is most widespread in middle age (Lugaresi, et al., 295). Sleepwalking (Somnambulism) is common to children ages of 5 to 12 and occasionally continues into maturity. It hardly ever starts in adults. There exists a potential occurrence of affirmative family background (Chokroverty, 137). Bruxism (Tooth grinding) occurs at the age of 10- 20 and may continue all over time that leads to a secondary problems such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction. It can also be seen commonly in children with cerebral palsy or are mentally retarded (Monroy, 37).
There are diverse ways of treating sleep disorders, but westerners in general make use of drugs or medicine. Some of the drugs which are used in western medicine to treat sleeping disorders include: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for patients suffering from OSA; and Parkinson’s disease drugs, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsant drugs, and narcotics for those suffering from PLMD. Note that there other drugs use for the treatment of sleep disorders aside from these. It should also be noted that in the US, the proper use of these drugs are found in American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines. There are also ways of treating sleep disorders; these include the creation of a good sleeping routine, the avoidance of alcohol and other related drugs, and physical fitness. Eastern medicine also uses prescription drugs at present, but they are more into herbal medicine and meditation (Guilleminault and Narcolepsy, 99). Some of the popular ways of treatment in the western world are imagery, other relaxation techniques, and herbal medicine. There are also other alternative treatments for sleep disorders. An example of an alternative is detoxification using herbs and juices, exercise, and change in diet. There are however contraindications for these. If patients are suffering from other diseases such as stomach ulcer, detoxification may not be a suitable alternative treatment. Exercise may be a good choice if the patient is suffering physical injuries or other physical challenges. A change in diet may not be a choice either if the patient is under medication for other complications such as diabetes. Nevertheless, exercise and change in diet are perfect indication for change in diet, detoxification, and exercise (Health Communities).
In order for practitioners to render their efficient service to patients with sleep disorders they must be aware of the different treatments. In order to assure that practitioners have the correct knowledge for handling such patients, they must be educated with the different treatment protocol. For example, they must read and understand the American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines. Certifications are also an effective way to make sure that practitioners have the right knowledge and skills for handling patients with sleep disorders. They must be well aware of the symptoms of sleep disorder in order to monitor the progress of a treatment, as well entreat the patients well – note that one of the symptoms of sleep disorder is irritability and lack of concentration which may hinder practitioner-patient relationship if not handled well by the former. Practitioners, such as nurses, must also have an open and regular communication with medical professionals and psychologists as sleep disorders can have medical and psychological implications (Hauri 39).
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