A sleep disorder (somnipathy) is a disorder in the sleep patterns of a person or animal. Some sleep disorders can interfere with mental and emotional function.

Common sleep disorders

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The most common sleep disorders include:

• Bruxism: The sufferer involuntarily grinds his or her teeth while sleeping
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS): a sleep disorder of circadian rhythm
• Hypopnea syndrome
• Insomnia: While not considered a sleep disorder in its own right, Insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep and/or remain asleep for a reasonable amount of time.
• Jet lag or desynchronosis: Temporary condition resulting in out of sync sleep patterns as a result of rapidly travelling across multiple time zones
• Narcolepsy: The condition of falling asleep spontaneously and unwillingly
• Night terror or Pavor nocturnus or sleep terror disorder: abrupt awakening from sleep with behavior consistent with terror
• Parasomnias: Include a variety of disruptive sleep-related events
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD): Involuntary movement of arms and/or legs during sleep. See also Hypnic jerk, which is not a disorder.
• Rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD): Acting out violent or dramatic dreams while in REM sleep
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS): An irresistible urge to move legs while sleeping. Often accompanies PLMD.
• Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD)
• Sleep apnea: The obstruction of the airway during sleep
• Sleep paralysis: Conscious paralysis upon waking or falling asleep
• Sleepwalking or somnambulism: Engaging in activities that are normally associated with wakefulness (such as eating or dressing), which may include walking, without the conscious knowledge of the subject
• Snoring: Loud breathing patterns while sleeping, sometimes accompanying sleep apnea

Broad classifications of sleep disorders

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• Dysomnias - A broad category of sleep disorders characterized by either hypersomnolence or insomnia. The three major subcategories include intrinsic (i.e., arising from within the body), extrinsic (secondary to environmental conditions or various pathologic conditions), and disturbances of circadian rhythm. MeSH
  • Insomnia
  • Narcolepsy
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  • Restless Leg Syndrome
  • Periodic limb movement disorder
  • Hypersomnia
    • Recurrent Hypersomnia - including Kleine-Levin Syndrome
    • Posttraumatic Hypersomnia
    • "Healthy" Hypersomnia
  • Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
    • Delayed sleep phase syndrome
    • Advanced sleep phase syndrome
    • Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome
• Parasomnias
  • REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder
  • Sleep Terror
  • Sleepwalking (or Somnambulism)
  • Tooth-grinding
  • Bedwetting or sleep enuresis.
  • Sudden infant death syndrome (or SIDS)
  • Sleep talking (or Somniloquy)

More on [ Sleep disorder ]

UPHS - Penn Sleep Centers Newsletter

Asleep at the Wheel?
Truck drivers who routinely get too little sleep or suffer from sleep apnea show signs of fatigue and impaired performance that can make them a hazard on the road, according to a major new study by Penn Sleep Centers researchers. The study results, entitled “Impaired Performance in Commercial Drivers: Role of Sleep Apnea and Short Sleep Duration,” were published in the August 15th issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease
Along with the epidemic of obesity, the incidence of sleep apnea has risen at an alarming rate. The most common form, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is caused by extra tissue in the upper airway that collapses and literally blocks the airflow to the lungs. The risk factors for OSA include male sex (women’s risk increases after menopause), obesity, and neck size greater than 17 inches. The symptoms of sleep apnea include fatigue, early morning headaches, snoring, falling asleep during the daytime, depression and witnessed episodes of irregular breathing while sleeping.
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia
Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder, representing one of the most common complaints reported to doctors by their patients. In an effort to provide non-pharmacologic treatment options for insomnia, research and clinical practice have focused on developing cognitive- behavior treatments as an alternative.
Do Flies and Worms Sleep?
Can you tell if a fly is asleep? This is precisely the question asked seven years ago by Dr. Joan Hendricks, who is now the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In collaboration with Dr. Amita Sehgal and Dr. Allan Pack of the Penn Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology (CSRN), Dr. Hendricks wanted to determine if the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, an animal used since the early 1900s for genetic studies in biology, has a sleeplike state much as we do. But unlike human studies, where one can measure brain electrical activity to distinguish sleep from the waking state, one cannot easily measure fly brain waves. Instead, Dr. Hendricks used behavioral measures.
Advice for Sleepy Students
Each fall, Grace Pien, MD in the University of Pennsylvania Division of Sleep Medicine sees teenagers being brought into her office by parents. The teens complain about difficulty falling asleep at night. After several follow-up questions, Pien often determines that these patients suffer from a sleep disorder called delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) - when the body's circadian rhythm delays the urge to sleep until much later than what is considered to be a normal bedtime.
New Headquarters for Penn Sleep
In April of this year, the practices and sleep laboratory facilities of the Penn Sleep Centers at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center were merged into a single new site at 3624 Market St. which serves as headquarters for the Penn Sleep Centers. This newly renovated facility provides pleasant and spacious areas for both patients and staff.

SLEEP Articles

Rebound Hypersomnolence, Stimulant Abuse, and DAT-Mediated Dopamine Release
Commentary on Gruner et al. The roles of dopamine transport inhibition and dopamine release facilitation in wake enhancement and rebound hypersomnolence induced by dopaminergic agents. SLEEP 2009;32(11):1425-1438.
Retire for Better Sleep?
Commentary on Vahtera et al. Effect of retirement on sleep disturbances: the GAZEL prospective cohort study. Sleep 2009;32:1459-1466.
Impact of Sleeping Angle on the Upper Airway and Pathogenesis of Cheyne Stokes Respiration
Commentary on Soll et al. The Effect of Posture on Cheyne-Stokes Respirations and Hemodynamics in Patients with Heart Failure, SLEEP 2009;32(11):1499-1506.
The Search for Apnea Genes
Commentary on Thakre et al. Lack of Association of the APOE ε4 Allele with the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Sleep 2009;32:1507-1511.
Sleep Deprivation Specifically Impairs Short-term Olfactory Memory in Drosophila
Study Objectives: Sleep is crucial to memory consolidation in humans and other animals; however, the effect of insufficient sleep on subsequent learning and memory remains largely elusive. Design: Learning and memory after 1-day sleep deprivation (slpD) was evaluated using Pavlovian olfactory conditioning in Drosophila, and locomotor activity was measured using the Drosophila Activity Monitoring System in a 12:12 light-dark cycle. Results: We found that slpD specifically impaired 1-h memory in wild type Canton-S flies, and this effect could persist for at least 2 h. However, alternative stresses (heat stress, oxidative stress, starvation, and rotation stress) did not result in a similar effect and left the flies’ memory intact. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that flies with either silenced transmission of the mushroom body (MB) during slpD or down-regulated cAMP levels in the MB demonstrated no slpD-induced 1-h memory impairment. Conclusion: We found that slpD specifically impaired 1-h memory in Drosophila, and either silencing of MB transmission during slpD or down-regulation of the cAMP level in the MB protected the flies from slpD-induced impairment. Keywords: Drosophila, sleep, learning and memory, cAMP, slpD, mushroom body
The Roles of Dopamine Transport Inhibition and Dopamine Release Facilitation in Wake Enhancement and Rebound Hypersomnolence Induced by Dopaminergic Agents
Study Objective: Rebound hypersomnolence (RHS: increased sleep following increased wake) is a limiting side-effect of many wake-promoting agents. In particular, RHS in the first few hours following wake appears to be associated with dopamine (DA)-releasing agents, e.g., amphetamine, but whether it can also be produced by DA transporter (DAT) inhibition alone is unknown. In these studies, DA-releasing and DAT-inhibiting agents and their interaction were systematically examined for their ability to increase wake and induce RHS. Design: Chronically implanted rats were evaluated in a blinded, pseudo-randomized design. Participants: 237 rats were used in these studies with 1 week between repeat tests. Interventions: Animals were habituated overnight and dosed the next day, 5 h after lights on, with test agents. Measurements and Results: Sleep/wake activity and RHS were evaluated using EEG/EMG recording up to 22 h post dosing. In vitro dopamine release was evaluated in rat synaptosomes. At doses that produced equal increases in wake, DA-releasing (amphetamine, methamphetamine, phentermine) and several DAT-inhibiting agents (cocaine, bupropion, and methylphenidate) produced RHS during the first few hours after the onset of sleep recovery. However, other DAT-inhibiting agents (mazindol, nomifensine, GBR-12909, and GBR-12935) did not produce RHS. Combination treatment with amphetamine and nomifensine produced waking activity greater than the sum of their individual activities alone while ameliorating the amphetamine-like RHS. In rat synaptosomes, nomifensine reduced the potency of amphetamine to induce DA release ~270-fold, potentially explaining its action in ameliorating amphetamine-induced RHS. Conclusions: All DA releasing agents tested, and some DAT-inhibiting agents, produced RHS at equal wake-promoting doses. Thus amphetamine-like DA release appears sufficient for inducing RHS, but additional properties (pharmacologic and/or pharmacokinetic) evidently underlie RHS of other DAT inhibitors. Enhancing wake while mitigating RHS can be achieved by combining DAT-inhibiting and DA-releasing agents. Keywords: Sleep/wake, dopamine transporter, amphetamine, hypersomnolence, pharmacokinetic, rat

Sleep and Breathing

Nocturia and snoring: predictive symptoms for obstructive sleep apnea
Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:26:16 -0000
Abstract Purpose  Current screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) emphasizes self-reported snoring and other breathing symptoms. Nocturia, a symptom with a precise pathophysiological link to sleep apnea, has not been assessed as a screening tool for this common disorder of sleep respiration. In a large sample of adults presenting to area sleep centers, we aimed to determine the predictive power of nocturia for OSA and compare findings with other markers of OSA commonly used to screen for this disease. Methods  This was a retrospective chart review. A consecutive sample of 1,007 adult patients seeking treatment at two sleep centers in New Mexico completed detailed medical and sleep history questionnaires and completed diagnostic polysomnography testing. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of nocturia, snoring, high body mass index, sex, and age for OSA were determined. Hierarchical linear regression determined unique variance contribution to the apnea–hypopnea index, the objective measure of sleep apnea severity. Results  The results are as follows: sensitivities—snoring, 82.6% and nocturia, 84.8%; specificities—snoring, 43.0% and nocturia, 22.4%; PPVs—snoring, 84.7% and nocturia, 80.6%; and NPVs—snoring, 39.6% and nocturia, 27.9%. With hierarchical linear regression, patient-reported nocturia frequency predicted apnea–hypopnea index (OSA severity) above and beyond body mass index, sex, age, and self-reported snoring (P < 0.0001). Conclusions  Nocturia appears comparable to snoring as a screening tool for OSA in patients presenting to a sleep medical center. Research in urology and primary care clinics is needed to definitively clarify the use of nocturia as a screening instrument for obstructive sleep apnea. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11325-009-0310-2Authors Edward Romero, Sleep and Human Health Institute 6739 Academy NE, Suite 380 Albuquerque NM 87109 USABarry Krakow, Sleep and Human Health Institute 6739 Academy NE, Suite 380 Albuquerque NM 87109 USAPatricia Haynes, Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System 3601 S 6th Ave. Tucson AZ 85723 USAVictor Ulibarri, Sleep and Human Health Institute 6739 Academy NE, Suite 380 Albuquerque NM 87109 USA Journal Sleep and BreathingOnline ISSN 1522-1709Print ISSN 1520-9512
Obstructive sleep apnea in a patient with the Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:00:29 -0000
Abstract Introduction  Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by the triad of macrocheilitis, peripheral facial palsy, and lingua plicata. Case report  A 48-year-old nonobese man with a diagnosis of MRS and marked macroglossia was evaluated because of clinically suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Established causes of OSA such as anatomic abnormalities of the upper airways or the facial skeleton were not present in this patient. Furthermore, hypothyroidism and acromegaly were excluded as underlying diseases. Polysomnography revealed moderate-to-severe OSA. As the swelling of the tongue had been unresponsive to immunosuppressive pharmacotherapy and surgery did not seem to be a reasonable therapeutic option, the patient was finally treated by continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Discussion  To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of OSA occurring in a patient with MRS. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s11325-009-0309-8Authors Hans-Joachim Eisele, University of Giessen Lung Center Giessen GermanyFrank Reichenberger, University of Giessen Lung Center Giessen GermanyKonstantin Mayer, University of Giessen Lung Center Giessen GermanyNorbert Weissmann, University of Giessen Lung Center Giessen GermanyWerner Seeger, University of Giessen Lung Center Giessen GermanyRichard Schulz, University of Giessen Lung Center Giessen Germany Journal Sleep and BreathingOnline ISSN 1522-1709Print ISSN 1520-9512
Preacclimatization in hypoxic chambers for high altitude sojourns
Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:55:20 -0000
Abstract Introduction  Since hypoxic chambers are more and more available, they are used for preacclimatization to prepare for sojourns at high altitude. Since there are different protocols and the data differ, there is no general consensus about the standard how to perform preacclimatization by simulated altitude. The paper reviews the different types of exposure and focuses on the target groups which may benefit from preacclimatization. Discussion  Since data about intermittent hypoxia for some hours per day to reduce the incidence of acute mountain sickness differ, it is suggested to perform preacclimatization by sleeping some nights at a simulated altitude which follows the altitude profile of the “gold standard” for high altitude acclimatization. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11325-009-0307-xAuthors Thomas E. A. H. Küpper, RWTH Aachen University Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine Aachen GermanyVolker Schöffl, Medical Commission of the Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA MedCom) Pauwelsstr. 30 52074 Aachen Germany Journal Sleep and BreathingOnline ISSN 1522-1709Print ISSN 1520-9512

pubmed: 1389-9457

Response from the authors.
Zvosec D, Smith SW Related Articles Response from the authors. Sleep Med. 2009 Oct 19; Authors: Zvosec D, Smith SW PMID: 19846339 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Sodium oxybate is an effective and safe treatment for narcolepsy.
Lammers GJ Related Articles Sodium oxybate is an effective and safe treatment for narcolepsy. Sleep Med. 2009 Oct 19; Authors: Lammers GJ PMID: 19846338 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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