Thursday, May 12, 2011

Diseases That Can Instigate A Sleep Disorder

By Owen Jones


We all know that having a cold can give you sleepless nights, but there are other more significant illnesses that can result in sleeplessness too. However, it is not only the illnesses themselves but the medications too can cause restless nights. Some of the most common diseases that can result in an interruption of sleep are: arthritis, kidney disease, mental illness, acid reflux, diabetes, thyroid issues and neurological disorders.

Some types of heart disease can also affect sleep patterns. For instance congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease. These concerns will naturally put the patient under fairly strict medical supervision.

Sufferers of the two heart diseases mentioned above run a high risk of developing obstructive sleep apnoea. Obstructive sleep apnoea is a less serious disease than any heart disease, but it can have significant consequences too, including elevated blood pressure, which makes it difficult if it is not treated.

The difficulty with obstructive sleep apnoea is that sufferers are usually the last to know about it, because it does not really cause the sufferer any discomfort although it can still have dire consequences.

The only real remedy for obstructive sleep apnoea is either the loss of weight which is not simple for heart patients or the wearing of an oxygen mask at night, which is known as CPAP.

Diabetes can result in Restless Leg Syndrome, which involves the involuntary thrashing about of the legs during sleep. This leads to a very restless night for both the sufferer and the partner as the kicks can get fairly violent - certainly enough to kick a football. Thyroid problems can lead to nocturnal perspiration which can make the sufferer feel hot, damp and unpleasant

Neurological disorders like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's epilepsy and strokes can make the sufferer have worries with REM sleep and insomnia. Those who have had a stroke might also suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea.

Sufferers of asthma and other respiratory illnesses will have worries sleeping. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will cause insomnia and sleep fragmentation.

Mental health concerns such as depression, SAD's and anxiety also lead to sleep disorders - usually also those of sleep fragmentation and insomnia.

GERD and acid reflux cause a burning sensation in the abdomen whilst the sufferer lies down, making it very hard to sleep during an attack. There are tablets for this that are occasionally effective and elevating the head a few inches can help as well.

Kidney disease can also cause restless leg syndrome and people with arthritis have problems getting to sleep because of the pain.

The point about all these causes of a restless night is that it is the fundamental cause that is more serious than the consequence - that is, the restlessness. These are serious conditions, some of which can be cured. Once the foremost problem is solved the secondary one will disappear too.




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