Other Sleeping Disorders and Red Herrings Part Two
Posted on | January 25, 2010 | No Comments
Sleep Paralysis – Sleep paralysis is an unusual phenomenon in which an individual wakes half way through their sleep unable to move with a ‘sense of dread’ and unable to move. This is caused by the paralysis that the body engages during dreams to prevent us from acting out our dreams failing to end upon waking and usually occurs when the individual is woken suddenly by a nightmare. This then leaves the sufferer lying fixed in one position for several minutes before they can move and return to sleep.
Insomnia – Insomnia can mean an individual has problems getting to sleep, but can also describe cases where the person has difficult maintaining sleep or the quality of their sleep. This can be caused by all manner of problems including stress which can cause a rush of adrenaline and other chemicals that trigger the ‘fight or flight response’ and so make it hard to sleep. Insomnia can be helped by keeping a diary of thoughts and concerns and by improving the conditions in which the patient sleeps. In some cases medication may be required.
Nocturia – Nocturia is the constant need to go to the toilet during the night, actually a very common problem that disrupts sleep for a lot of patients. This is often a psychosomatic problem though it can also be related to bladder problems. Patients should avoid drinking before bed and particularly diuretics.
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