sleep

Facts on Benzodiazepines vs. Ambien Benzodiazepines and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia. Benzodiazepines are also used to treat seizures, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Benzodiazepines are a drug class of central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness. Ambien belongs to …

Narcolepsy defintion and facts Narcolepsy is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), distorted perceptions (hypnagogic hallucinations), inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis), disturbed nocturnal sleep, and automatic behavior. Narcolepsy usually begins in teenagers or young adults and affects both sexes equally. Abnormalities in the structure …

What are hypnotics? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Hypnotics are drugs that are used to help people fall asleep. There are many types of hypnotic drugs, and doctors recommend and prescribe them based on the type of sleep problem you have. Lifestyle and sleep habit changes also are effective for treating certain types of sleep problems. If you …

Sleep paralysis introduction Have you ever felt like you were awake but unable to move? You might have even felt afraid but could not call for help? This condition is called sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis may leave you feeling frightened, especially if you also see or hear things that aren’t really there. Sleep paralysis may happen only once, or you …

What is Kleine-Levin syndrome? Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare disorder that primarily affects adolescent males (approximately 70 percent of those with Kleine-Levin syndrome are male). What are the symptoms of Kleine-Levin syndrome? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story It is characterized by recurring but reversible periods of excessive sleep (up to 20 hours per day). Symptoms occur as "episodes," typically …

Introduction to PLMD Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a sleep disorder characterized by rhythmic movements of the limbs during sleep. The movements typically involve the legs, but upper extremity movements may also occur. Movements occur periodically throughout the night and can fluctuate in severity from one night to the next. They tend to …

Introduction to Hypersomnia Readers Comments 9 Share Your Story Hypersomnia, or excessive sleepiness, is a condition in which a person has trouble staying awake during the day. People who have hypersomnia can fall asleep at any time; for instance, at work or while they are driving. They may also have other sleep-related problems, including a lack of energy and trouble …

Problem sleepiness facts* Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story *Problem sleepiness facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Problem sleepiness occurs when sleepiness during the day interferes with work or social functioning. Symptoms of problem sleepiness may include difficulty concentrating, falling asleep while driving, or problems with emotional control. There are a number of causes of problem sleepiness, including sleep …