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Nature of Sleep, Sleep Disorders and Treatment Student’s Name Institution of Affiliation

The nature of sleep, sleep disorders and treatment

The Nature of Sleep There is no universally accepted definition of sleep. However it is thought to be a suspension of normal consciousness that results to passive absence if wakefulness. Those asleep may not witness their own sleeping experiences. This is because the environmental stimuli fail to register with the sleeper. The nature of sleep is particularly thought to be passive because the sleeping person may process some information and respond to stimuli while asleep. This is evident when people ignore some sound while they respond to others as they remain asleep. There are some common characteristics that have been witnessed as similar between many people while a sleep. One of them is changes in brainwaves during sleep. This is known as electroencephalogram. The basic res-activity cycle asserts that there are 90 minute stages that characterize sleep. These stages are usually five in a day. According to the ECG scan stages 1 and 2 are characterized by alpha and beta waves. At this is stage the body functioning is usually slow. Stage 3 and 4 are characterized by delta and theta waves. It involves the slowest body metabolism. Here reparation to brains physiology takes place. At this stage it is difficult to wake someone. This is due to release of growth hormone. REM is the last stage of sleep. Here the brain and the eyes are active but the body is paralyzed. At this stage people experience deep sleep and dreams occur. The nature of sleep come with particular benefits that include body growth, repair and brain recovery. Babies are likely to experience a higher percentage of REM sleep than adults. This is due to he rapid growth that occurs in the brains and cells.

Sleep disorders A sleep disorder is a medical disorder of the sleep pattern of a person or an animal. Disorders interfere with the normal mental, social and emotional functioning. There are various types of sleep disorder. They include; INSOMNIA This is the difficulty or the inability to fall asleep. It is usually caused by stress, anxiety, hormonal or digestive problems. Sometimes its occurrence indicates a possibility of another condition. Insomnia has adverse effects on the energy level l, mood and the quality of life generally. Some people experience short term insomnia. This lasts for days or weeks. Others could experience long tem insomnia which could last for months. When insomnia happens regularly for a month it is classified as chronic. It is classified as intermittent when it occurs periodically. The problems that could be caused by insomnia includes depression, irritability, weight gain and impaired work. Sleep Apnea This is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. It is a common disorder that limits the amount of oxygen one breaths in while asleep. The airway blocks from repeatedly. This reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs. When airway blockage occurs one is likely to snore loudly. This is in attempt to breathe more as one’s body becomes oxygen deprived. Usually it results in one waking up. Temporary pause in breathing is caused by tissue collapse in the back of the throat. The tongue may fall back which blocks or narrow the airway. If one experiences this disorder, they are likely to wake up tired. It may also result to long day fatige. The long term implication that may occur as a result of sleep Apnea includes High blood pressure, Depression, diabetes and stroke. Parasomnias This is a sleeping disorder characterized by unusual movement, behavior, emotions or dreams that occur at different stages during sleep. These abnormal behaviors may also occur during arousal from sleep. It results in one experiencing disturbing hallucinations and sleeping paralysis. The body may be unable to move for some seconds. Parasomnias is common during sleep like REM .it is characterized by vigorous and spontaneous dream-like enacting behaviors. Some parasomnias may be so adverse like groaning o loud as to prevent other people from sleeping. Narcolepsy This is a sleeping disorder that involves excessive and uncontrollable day time sleepiness. this is as a result of brain dysfunction that controls sleeping and waking. This results in sleep attacks in the normal cause of work. Treatment Treatment depends on the resulting disorder and its severity. The most suitable treatment can only be established after diagnosis monitored by a medical professional. Treatments for sleeping disorders include; Medication Medication is the most common treatment for sleeping disorders. Different types of medication are administered on different disorders. An example is Insomnia which requires hypnotics to induce sleep and help ne remain asleep. Narcolepsy is a stimulant medication that reduces effects of day time sleepiness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Some sleeping disorders are related to behavior. Such can be treated by such a therapy. It helps one to individually manage a disorder. It is commonly used in sleeping disorders that result from emotional and social consequences. Sleeping Hygiene and Sleeping Routine Practicing good hygiene has a positive impact in treating all disorders. This includes sleeping when there is need. They involve supportive sleeping disorders like scheduled naps Relaxation, Meditation and Exercise Relaxing may help one reduce the adverse effects mostly those caused by insomnia. This involves slightly engaging and vigorous exercises. It reduces stress and thoughts hence inducing and improving the quality of sleep.