WHAT ARE SLEEP DISORDERS

What is sleep? Sleep is a dynamic process during which the brain is very active. There are recognized stages of sleep, each of which is characterized by a different type of brain wave activity. Sleep isn’t just "time out" from daily life. It is active state important for renewing our mental and physical health each day.

Why Does the Body Need Sleep? It is not clear exactly why the body requires sleep, although inadequate sleep can have severe detrimental effects on health.Studies have shown that sleep is essential for normal immune system function and to maintain the ability to fight disease and sickness. Sleep also is essential for normal nervous system function and the ability to function both physically and mentally. In addition, sleep is essential for learning and for normal, healthy cell growth.

At least 84 disorders of sleeping and waking lead to a lowered quality of life and reduced personal health. They endanger public safety by contributing to traffic and industrial accidents. The disorders can lead to problems falling asleep and staying asleep, difficulties staying awake or staying with a regular sleep/wake cycle, sleepwalking, bedwetting, nightmares, and other problems that interfere with sleep. Some sleep disorders can be life-threatening.

Most sleep disorders are brain disorders that cause interruptions in sleep patterns, or prevent you from getting enough sleep. Most people require seven to ten hours of sleep per day. The brain regulates sleep and is the only organ known to require or benefit from sleep.

A sleep disorder (somnipathy) is a medical disorder of the sleep patterns of a person or animal. Some sleep disorders are serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental and emotional functioning. A test commonly ordered for some sleep disorders is the polysomnogram.

Sleep disorders are diagnosed and treated by many different healthcare professionals, including general practitioners and specialists in neurology pulmonary medicine, psychiatry, psychology, paediatrics and other fields.