Insomnia (Sleeplessness)
Acute and Chronic Insomnia:
- Acute Insomnia: This occurs for a short period and is usually attributed to stress, jet lag, or sudden life events.
- Chronic Insomnia: Referring to recurring sleep disturbances that occur at least three nights per week for at least three months. It may result from psychological or physical reasons.
Subtypes of Sleep Disorders:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, negatively impacting sleep quality.
- Sleep-Related Movement Disorders: This includes sleepwalking, night terrors, and physical movements during sleep.
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): This syndrome is characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and involuntary movements.
Diagnostic Methods and Radiological Examinations:
- Sleep Diary: This involves recording sleep habits and patterns.
- Polysomnography (PSG): A comprehensive sleep test monitoring parameters like brain waves, eye movements, respiration, and muscle activity.
- Sleep Latency Test: Measures the time taken to fall asleep in response to a stimulus.
- Radiological Imaging: Radiological methods can be used to identify problems or anomalies in the upper airway.
Etiological Investigations:
- Psychosocial Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to insomnia.
- Physical Health Issues: Chronic pain, respiratory problems, and endocrine disorders can also contribute to insomnia.
- Environmental Factors: Noise, light, and temperature are environmental factors that can affect sleep.
Treatment of Insomnia:
- Acute Insomnia: Usually treated by addressing the underlying cause and implementing relaxing activities.
- Chronic Insomnia: Cognitive behavioral therapy, recommendations for sleep hygiene, and medication if necessary can be utilized.
Sleep Disorders in Neurodegenerative Diseases:
- Parkinson’s Disease: Sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep, distressing dreams, and frequent awakening are common.
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Sleep disturbances can manifest as nocturnal awakenings, excessive daytime sleepiness, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Role of Alanya Neurologist Dr. Mustafa Zafer Demirtaş: Dr. Mustafa Zafer Demirtaş, a neurologist specialist in Alanya, is an experienced expert in the field of insomnia and sleep disorders. Dr. Demirtaş assists his patients in diagnosing and effectively treating sleep problems.
Questions and Answers:
- What are the types of insomnia? There are acute and chronic insomnia as the two main types.
- What are the subtypes of sleep disorders? These include obstructive sleep apnea, sleep-related movement disorders, and restless legs syndrome.
- What tests and methods are used to diagnose insomnia? Diagnostic methods include sleep diaries, polysomnography, sleep latency tests, and radiological examinations.
- How is insomnia treated? Acute insomnia is usually treated by addressing the underlying cause and implementing relaxing activities. For chronic insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy, recommendations for sleep hygiene, and medication if necessary can be used.
- In which neurodegenerative diseases do sleep disorders occur? Sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakenings, and disrupted sleep patterns can frequently occur in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.
