Sleep Medicine Quiz

Sleep Medicine

Insomnia

• Definition: Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both, despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep.
• Prevalence: Affects 10-30% of adults, with higher rates in women and older adults.
• Types:
  • Acute insomnia: Lasts for a short period, often triggered by stress or traumatic events.
  • Chronic insomnia: Lasts for at least 3 months, often accompanied by underlying medical or psychological conditions.
• Symptoms:
  • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Waking up frequently during the night
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Feeling tired or unrefreshed upon waking

Sleep Apnea

• Definition: A sleep disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of shallow or paused breathing during sleep.
• Types:
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Caused by blockage of the airway, often due to excess tissue in the throat or obesity.
  • Central sleep apnea (CSA): Caused by a lack of respiratory effort, often due to neurological disorders or heart failure.
• Symptoms:
  • Loud snoring
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Morning headaches
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

Sleep Disorders

• Definition: A group of disorders that affect the quality, duration, or timing of sleep.
• Examples:
  • Restless leg syndrome (RLS): Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, leading to an urge to move them.
  • Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD): Repetitive movements of the legs or arms during sleep.
  • Sleepwalking (somnambulism): Performing complex behaviors while asleep, often without memory of the event.
  • Sleep talking (somniloquy): Talking during sleep, often without awareness of the conversation.

Narcolepsy

• Definition: A chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep.
• Symptoms:
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness, often accompanied by a sudden need to sleep
  • Sudden attacks of sleep, often without warning
  • Cataplexy (muscle weakness or paralysis) triggered by strong emotions
  • Sleep paralysis (inability to move or speak) while falling asleep or waking up
  • Vivid hallucinations or dream-like experiences

Circadian Rhythms

• Definition: The internal biological processes that regulate the sleep-wake cycle, hormone secretion, and other physiological functions.
• Mechanisms:
  • Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN): The master clock that regulates the circadian rhythm.
  • Light-dark cycle: Exposure to natural light and darkness helps synchronize the SCN with the 24-hour day.
• Importance:
  • Regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone secretion, and metabolism
  • Influences mood, cognitive function, and overall health
  • Disruptions to circadian rhythms can lead to sleep disorders, jet lag, and other health problems