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Sleepwalking

A Sleep Disorder characterized by walking or other activity while seemingly still asleep. Sleepwalking (Somnambulism) is a series of complex behaviors that are initiated during slow wave sleep and result in walking during sleep. Sleepwalking is a rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder occurring in the dream stage of sleep. During this phase, the body releases a chemical that paralyzes the body. However, those who sleepwalk do not have this chemical trigger, hence the behavior.

One common misconception is that a sleep walker should not be awakened. It is not dangerous to awaken a sleep walker, although it is common for the person to be confused or disoriented for a short time on awakening. Another misconception is that a person cannot be injured when sleep walking. Actually, injuries caused by such things as tripping and loss of balance are common for sleep walkers.

Info from crescentlife.com

For more information visit:
http://www.crescentlife.com/disorders/sleepwalking.htm

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) affects up to 10% of American adults. They may have difficulty lying down and sleeping, or sitting down and relaxing, because their legs just won't let them. Air travel and long car trips are a trial. Even enjoying a television show may be more than they can manage.

Restless Legs Syndrome can have a significant physical and emotional impact on sufferers. Symptoms may interfere with their sleep, and as a result, they may feel sleepy during the day, too tired to participate in their daily activities.

Restless Legs Syndrome is a real medical condition, like diabetes, depression, or high blood pressure. Many people are unaware that there is a name for their condition: It's called Restless Legs Syndrome.

Resources on this site include:
Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome
Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome
Management Options
Restless Legs Syndrome Symptom Checklist

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by… ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…Wha, what the heck? Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by a permanent and overwhelming feeling of sleepiness and recurring episodes of sleep…ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…snort, yawn?

Narcolepsy is considered to be a rare sleep disorder. Narcolepsy can have a harmful and even devastating impact on those inflicted by it. Narcolepsy has no known cures; however, proper treatment can help sufferers lead normal lives.
Narcolepsy can appear suddenly or slowly.

And Narcolepsy is most often characterized by the following symptoms:

The most common indication is excessive daytime sleepiness, an incessant feeling of exhaustion that can cause people to fall asleep suddenly.

Cataplexy , another condition associated with narcolepsy, is characterized by a rapid loss of muscle control, often leading to sudden collapse.

Another symptom of narcolepsy is sleep paralysis, a condition defined by an inability to move or speak despite complete consciousness.

A third symptom of narcolepsy involves hypnagogic hallucinations, strange dreamlike episodes that are characterized by a lack of physical control and a nightmarish sensation that a prowler or strange animal is present.

These "waking dreams" are especially disturbing because they are often mistaken for mental illness.

If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of narcolepsy, you should seek treatment at an accredited sleep disorder clinic or see your physician.

by: infoforyourhealth.com

The facts about Insomnia

Insomnia is estimated to affect more than half of the U.S. adult population. Insomnia can take many different forms: difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking up too early, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. In a survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 58% of adults reported having insomnia at least a few nights a week. And the vast majority of those surveyed agreed that sleep loss can have a major impact on their lives:

93% agreed that sleep loss can impair work performance
92% felt that sleep loss can increase one’s risk of injuries
90% agreed that not getting enough sleep makes it difficult to get along with others
86% believed that sleep deficits can lead to health problems

Insomnia can be overcome. An important step is to determine the possible causes of your insomnia. Health and lifestyle factors could be at the root of your problem. Or you might have a sleep disorder that prevents high-quality sleep.

by: Shuteye.com

Listen to .wav file on Insomnia via the link below

http://clickit.go2net.com/search?pos=2&ppos=0&plnks=0&uplnks=20&cat=audio&cid=372672&site=srch&area=srch.trans.singingfishaudio&shape=textlink&cp=info.cablev&cluster-click=0&pd=0&coll=1&query=sleep+insomnia&rawto=http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcaudio.nsf/ByAudio/Sleep_problems_-_insomnia_is_common/$File/SleepProblems.ra

Sleep Paralysis - The Basics

What You Need To Know
Sleep Paralysis is a natural bodily function that causes us to be paralyzed during sleep. It prevents us hurting ourselves or others during dreams. It's when it follows us into the waking state that it becomes a disorder.
SLEEP PARALYSISSYMPTOMS
Inability to move the trunk or limbs. This can occur at sleep onset or upon awakening.
Hallucinations.These can be visual (You think you see something,) or Auditory (You think you hear things.) In some cases, the sense of smell is also involved.
Feeling of pressure. Like someone sitting on you or holding you down. Fear Even outright terror may be involved.
Occasional sensations of being Out of Your Body (OBE.) Floating or flying through the air. Feeling disconnected from your body.
CAUSES
A natural state: Sleep Paralysis is a natural bodily function that causes us to be paralyzed during sleep. It prevents us hurting ourselves or others during dreams. It's when it follows us into the waking state that it becomes a disorder.
Stress and anxiety.
Narcolepsy.
Sleeping on the back.
Puberty.
Bipolar Disorder.
Depression.
METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS
Personal Experience
Observation by roommates
Sleep Study
AVOIDANCE
Talk to your doctor. He may be able to prescribe something to help.
Keep on a regular schedule. Go to bed, get up and eat meals at regular times.
Get some exercise. Even a short walk earlier in the day can help.
Avoid sleep deprivation.
Alleviate the stress in your life.
Know you are not alone.
Relax. You are not dying or going insane. As far as is known, sleep paralysis is not harmful.
Read David Hufford's book. "The Terror that Comes in the Night" can help you understand this strange disorder.
FINDING RELIEF
When you realize you are having an attack:
Will yourself to move a finger or make a sound.
Scream. If it doesn't wake you, it will at least alert others to your distress.
Go with the flow. If all else fails, relax and It will soon pass.

http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/sleepparalysis/a/paralysisbasics.htm

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