Sleep Technology

I recently spoke with several sleep experts about caffeine and sleep. These wonderful sleep professionals were very giving of their time and knowledge, and I thank them immensely. It is because of their willingness to share their time, thoughts and friendship that I can share this information with you.

Many states are adopting the use of marijuana for medical purposes even though federal law does not yet support marijuana to be used in this context. But marijuana also has been used historically, spiritually and socially for many years.

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs) are neurological disorders in which the sleep-wake cycle is out of sync with the day-night cycle. This article focus on three: delayed sleep phase disorder, advanced sleep phase disorder and non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder.

The prevalence of certain sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia and restless legs syndrome are increased among children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Starting a support group for your patients can be very rewarding. They can be beneficial for the community and for the sleep center as a way to market the program. There are many different types of support groups — OSA, RLS, insomnia and narcolepsy being a few.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stress-related disorder characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal and negative alterations in cognition or mood. Events that involve threat to integrity of self or others such as rape, physical assault, natural disasters and combat exposure are commonly associated with the development of PTSD.1 The lifetime prevalence of PTSD among adults in the United States ranges from 6-10%, with women being more than twice as likely to have PTSD at some point. Significantly higher estimates have been reported in combat veterans (15-30%). Rates of PTSD in veterans are higher if they were stationed in combat zones, had tours of longer than one year, experienced combat or were injured. Specifically, among veterans with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, 31-86% report multiple traumatic combat exposures and 11-20% endorse significant PTSD symptoms.

The neurocognitive disorder Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 5 million Americans. Its prevalence is expected to triple by 2060. People affected by Alzheimer’s disease have increasing problems with memory, judgement and doing daily tasks of living as the disease progresses. Various studies have indicated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and that people with OSA have increased levels of certain biomarkers (e.g., amyloid beta protein) associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists have recently noted increased levels of biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease in young children with OSA.

Sleepwalking, yelling in your sleep, violently thrashing in bed and hurting those you love. No, it’s not a demonic possession; it is REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD. RBD is a sleep disorder that common presents itself in older men and causes people who suffer from it to physically act out their dreams. Its cause is unknown, but its effects can be terrifying.

This article originally appeared in SleepyHeadCENTRAL.com on March 9, 2019. Reprinted by permission of the author. On Feb. 20 and 21, the National Safety Council (NSC) presented its first annual Workplace Fatigue Conference. It convened a diverse cross-section of leaders in the field of workplace fatigue management.

What does a German fairytale and a severe sleep disorder have in common? A lot, apparently.