Other sleep disorders
Please note that while the disorders outlined below are important and treatable, they are not targeted here at Talking Sleep. If you are experiencing any difficulties that reflect the disorders below, we encourage you to seek treatment from professionals who specialise in treating these disorders.
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders/fatigue management
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are a group of related sleep disorders that share the common feature of a disruption in the timing of sleep.The most common types of circadian rhythm sleep disorders include delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, jet lag, and shift-worker disorder.
Sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis is a temporary loss of muscle functioning during sleep and can occur when a person is falling to sleep, shortly after falling asleep, or while they are waking up. Individuals experiencing sleep paralysis typically lose the ability to move or speak and may also experience feeling as if someone is pushing down on your chest, someone or something is in the room, fear, and hallucinations. Although children and adults of all ages may experience sleep paralysis, individuals with the following conditions may be more susceptible: Insomnia, narcolepsy, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
Sleep walking
Sleepwalking is a behaviour disorder that occurs during deep sleep, which may involve various types of simple or complex actions (e.g., eating, walking, getting dressed, running, moving furniture) while asleep. Sleepwalking episodes can last from a few seconds to a half an hour, however most finish in less than 10 minutes. Sleepwalkers may return to bed/sleep on their own or they may wake up confused while they are still out of bed. Typically, sleepwalkers virtually never have a recollection of their episode upon waking. A range of treatment options are available for sleepwalking, including treatment of underlying causes, improved sleep hygiene, CBT, and medication.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder typically characterised by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. Individuals with narcolepsy often find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time, There is currently no effective treatment for narcolepsy. However, medications, lifestyle changes, and good support networks can help manage narcolepsy symptoms
Periodic limb movement disorder
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is described as repetitive limb movements that occur during sleep and cause sleep disruption. Occurring every 5 – 90 seconds, with night-to-night variability, movements are typically located in the lower limbs, but may also occurs in the upper limbs. Although there is no cure for PLMD, a range of medical treatments can provide relief of symptoms.
Restless leg syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs resulting in a typically irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms are often more severe when relaxed or trying to sleep. When RLS prevents sleep, individuals can experience sleep deprivation, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue, and when left untreated can strongly affect mood, concentration, and personal relationships. A range of home remedies and medications are available to treat RLS.
Sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Individuals with sleep apnoea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep cycle, sometimes hundreds of times. While these sleep interruptions often go unnoticed during sleep, untreated sleep apnoea can lead to a range of health problems, including headaches, less restorative sleep, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, and cardiovascular issues. Treatment for sleep apnoea depends on the severity of symptoms. While cases of mild sleep apnoea may respond to lifestyle changes, more severe cases may receive a range of therapeutic interventions, including surgery.
Snoring
Most people have experienced snoring at some point in their lives. However, severe snoring may be indicative of underlying health issues, such as sleep apnoea. Snoring can be treated via a range of lifestyle changes and home remedies, as well as a range of therapeutic interventions.