
Sleep disorders affect both men and women, but suffer these problems at double the rate of men. Psychosocial stress, hormonal changes, illness, and lifestyle factors can all affect sleep in women. Medications may be used to help women get to sleep, but losing weight, avoiding caffeine, getting plenty of exercise and overall good sleep hygiene can help in many cases.
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Anxiety
Anxiety as a medical condition is characterized by worry, fear, nervousness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and other symptoms. Diarrhea, tremors, and rapid heart rate are some physical symptoms of severe anxiety, which may arise from a mental or physical condition, drug use, or some combination of these causes. Treatment can include medication and psychotherapy. -
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an illness with no known cause. Symptoms include chronic pain, fatigue, fibrofog (mental haziness), insomnia, headaches, nervousness, numbness, dizziness, and intestinal disturbances. Treatment may involve acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, antidepressants, Lyrica, Cymbalta, Savella, Flexeril, and Mirapex. -
Grief and Bereavement
Grief is our personal experience of loss. Mourning is a public expression of our grief. Bereavement is the period after a loss during which mourning occurs (usually a relatively brief time) and grief is experienced (often for a much longer time). -
Insomnia
Insomnia affects most people at some point in their lifetime. Insomnia is actually a symptom of a condition, disease, or situation. Non-medical treatment of insomnia includes: sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, stimulus control, and sleep restriction. There are many medications that can be prescribed to a person with insomnia. -
Understanding Insomnia Medications
Insomnia is a common problem for many people. Insomnia can be primary or secondary. Secondary causes of insomnia include medications, diseases, environmental factors, and pregnancy. Non-drug, home remedies, and OTC and prescription drugs that treat insomnia include: Sleeping pills Melatonin Sleep hygiene education Biofeedback Relaxation therapy Common side effects of sleeping pills include: Impaired coordination, balance, or mental alertness Depression Suicidal thoughts -
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes the sufferer to fall asleep or experience extreme exhaustion during the day or at inappropriate times. The treatment involves a variety of different classes of medication, depending on the patient. -
Nightmares
Nightmares occur from time to time in many children, but they are most common in preschoolers (children aged 3 to 6 years) because this is the age at which normal fears develop. Practicing good sleep hygiene and other strategies can help eliminate nightmares. -
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep. It's related to restless leg syndrome, but it is a distinct disorder. Learn about treatment and remedies. -
Primary Insomnia
Primary insomnia is sleeplessness that cannot be attributed to a medical, psychiatric, or environmental cause (such as drug abuse or medications). Symptoms of primary insomnia include: Difficulty falling asleep Frequently awakening during the night Atypical reactions to sleep medications Tense Treatment may include lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, or a combination of these. -
Seasonal Depression (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is tied to seasons of the year. Symptoms include depressed mood, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and poor concentration. Treatment may incorporate bright-light therapy and antidepressants. -
Sleep: Understanding the Basics
Sleep is defined as a state of unconsciousness from which a person can be aroused. In this state, the brain is relatively more responsive to internal stimuli than external stimuli. Sleep deprivation has many deleterious effects on the body. Sleep apnea and sleep paralysis are two common kinds of sleep disorders. Several activities can help one to fall asleep fast. -
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder or "parasomnia." It is characterized by complex action and walking during sleep. This is common in children in early and middle adolescence. The sleepwalker doesn't remember what happens during these episodes. -
Snoring
Snoring is the sound that occurs during sleep when soft tissues where the throat meets the back of the nasal passage partially block the airway and subsequently vibrates and causes noise. Snoring in itself isn't a big medical problem, but can be an indicator of a more serious problem like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
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Sleep FAQs Doctors still haven't figured out why we do it, but we all need it, that's for sure! Get answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQs) on sleep and sleep hygiene.
Expert Views and News
- Traumatic Brain Injury Tied to Sleep Problems
- Cannabis for Sleep: Benefit or Disruption?
- Sleeping Pill Use Linked to Increased Dementia
- FDA Adds Boxed Warning to Insomnia Drugs
- Insomnia Common But Often Short-Lived
- Study: Weekend Sleep-Ins May Help You Live Longer
- Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy Link to Preterm Birth
Sleep Disorders in Women Topic Guide - Visuals
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