Sleep A Brochure | Page 11

Insomnia: Quick fixes for insomnia like sleeping pills or alcohol can make the problem worse, reducing REM sleep for a person. Since no magic pill exists to alleviate insomnia, sleep experts offer tips for better quality sleep.

Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy has been determined as a brain disease caused by the lack of orexin. Scientists hope to create a drug to mimic orexin that can pass the blood brain barrier. For now, other drugs are used to relieve the sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.

Sleep apnea: For cases of sleep apnea, a mask like device with an air pump, called a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP), is used to keep the sleeper's airway open and relieve apnea symptoms.

Night terrors and sleep walking: These are NREM-3 sleep disorders that occur in childhood. As we grow older and deep NREM-3 sleep disorders decrease, night terrors and sleep walking. Sleep deprivation can cause deep sleeping and increase the tendency for sleep walking or night terrors, but no active source of treatment is required.

It is important to seek help and treatment if you are diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Contact a psychologist for specialized treatment.