Sleep Disorders Recognition and Consequences

Signs of a Sleep Problem

Memory lapses

• Automatic behavior
• Can’t remember what you were going to do

• Can’t think of names or other details

Excessive sleepiness and fatigue

• Drowsy driving
• Periods of sleepiness during the day
• Desire to nap
• Inappropriate sleeping
• Still tired upon awakening
• Diminishing energy level as years go by
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Increased irritability
• Inability to cope
• Lack of motivation
• Conflicts with family, friends and coworkers

Diminished productivity

• Not able to perform to job expectations
• Increased mistakes/errors
• Lack of desire to be productive
• Insomnia
• Inability to fall asleep
• Inability to stay asleep
• Awakening too early

Physical signs

• Tossing and turning
  • Inability to get comfortable
  • Can’t lie in certain positions
    • pain
    • breathing
• Leg discomfort before or during sleep
  • restless legs
  • leg cramps
• Snoring
  • pauses or other irregularity
  • snorts/gasps
• Morning headaches
• Bed partner complains or sleeps elsewhere
  • Loud snoring
  • Excessive kicking/jerking/twitching

Types of Common Sleep Disorders

• Sleep apnea and hypopnea
  • Obstructed upper airway
  • Brainstem respiratory control dysfunction (less common)
• Periodic Limb Movement and Restless Leg Syndromes

• Insomnia

Consequenses of Untreated Sleep Disorders

• Heart arrhythmia
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased risk factors of:
• Heart attack
• Brain attack (stroke)
• Vascular disease
• Traffic accidents
• Mood disorders
• Reduced job security
• Diminished productivity
• Work related accidents and absenteeism
• Increased Workmen Compensation liability for employer
• Family problems
• Social problems
• Diminished quality of life
• Reduced life expectancy