REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep Disorders

July 2nd, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Rapid eye movement or REM during sleep occurs when we are actively dreaming, which happens approximately 20 to 25per cent of the time we are asleep. During this time the brain is as active as when you are awake, the blood pressure increases but the body is inactive with the muscles experiencing paralysis or loss of muscle tone, which is normal during sleep.

When you will experience REM sleep disorders, your body’s muscle will actively take part in your dream actions as well as causing reactions such as, talking in your sleep, moving body parts, shouting, jumping and walking. What causes REM sleep disorders is not yet exactly known but it has been recorded in patients with neurological disorders such as, Parkinson diseases, Shy-Drager and Lewy body, which is also known as dementia.

Treating REM Sleep Disorders

There are a variety of drugs available to treat REM sleep disorders however; choosing the right type for you can only be done by your doctor. He can do so after he has carefully examined your condition and considered your medical history or other medical conditions you may have at present as they may also be part of the cause of your REM sleep disorder.

Patients that suffer from REM sleep disorders should take preventive steps while sleeping such as, placing sharp objects away from the bed so he or she does not get hurt when moving in sleep. If possible have someone sleep close by to help stop the person from hurting himself in the sleep and if possible place the bedding on the floor in order to avoid the possibility of falling from the bed or consider installing bed rails.

Usually REM sleeping disorders occur in elderly people with an existing neurological disorder due to which reason do not self medicate and/or use sleep-inducing drugs without a doctor’s prescription as they could further deteriorate the condition. However, you may want to try natural remedies such as aromatherapy baths, candles and massages that helps relax the body into a deep and profound sleep mode.


Sleep Disorders in Psychiatry

June 10th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

The most common sleep disorder in psychiatry is insomnia even though it can also be caused by a number of other disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease to name a few.

There are many reasons for sleep disorders.  There may be stress at work, in a relationship, financial difficulty or other issues. We may experience lack of or too much sleep when we administer drugs for an existing medical condition. However, temporary sleeping disorders can turn into a permanent condition, which will affect your activities and way of life if not treated in time.

Dealing with Sleep Disorders in Psychiatry

Sleep disorders in psychiatry can be very dangerous because they are behavior altering and thus they can manifest in an aggressive and self-destructive way such as, isolation, refusing to eat or take part in any activity and even inflicting injuries to one’s body. Recognizing sleep disorders in psychiatry and consulting a doctor right away is extremely important in order to start a treatment and get one’s life back on track as soon as possible.

Depending on one’s present state of health, the cause of sleep disorder in psychiatry and age, treatment may not provide immediate results, as you will be dealing with multiple problems at the same time. However, progress will be seen in time and a return to a normal behavior will be observed in due course with the right treatment. People with sleep disorders in psychiatry need a lot of understanding and love from family and friends as lack of sleep can have a very negative effect on one’s behavior and health.

Natural remedies to induce natural sleep are always welcome, as they have no side effects and help relax the body and mind as well as bring a sense of well being. Here are some natural ways in which you can induce sleep at home: herbal tea such as, chamomile, warm baths before sleep with lavender essential oils, a cup of warm milk before sleep, massages with essential oils of the entire body or feet and exercises during the day in fresh air such as, walking and jogging.

Understand your body and bring about a change in your life style. For instance, drinking caffeinated drinks at night or before sleeping, smoking, alcohol, over eating and over working yourself could cause the sleep disorder. Make time to relax, eat balanced meals and exercise to enjoy a healthy, happy and restful life.


Sleep Disorders in Autism

June 7th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Autism is a neurological disorder, which affects the brain directly, thus changing the pattern of behavior. Autism occurs in children in the first years of life and it is extremely important to diagnose it as soon as possible to begin treatment. The cause of autism is believed to be a defective structure in the brain, which can be derived from genetics, heredity and/or other medical conditions.

Symptoms of Autism

Autism is a spectrum disorder and it manifests differently in every child. Therefore you may see one or multiple signs and symptoms that have been observed over the years in children that have autism. They include difficulty to express in words and would rather point or use signs, disliking change, repeating phrases/words, difficulty in making friends and the desire to be left alone, little eye contact, obvious over-sensitivity and under-sensitivity to direct pain such as when the child gets hurt, unable to comprehend danger and thus, showing no fear to it and not responding when addressed.

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial in the earliest possible stages in order to apply the proper treatment for your child. Sleep disorders in autism is recognized by one of more of the symptoms such as, irritability, resistance to change and being aloof. Sleep disorders in autism may not stand out as easily especially if the child is an infant because they have irregular sleeping hours and behavior. However, as the child grows you will be able to observe the lack of sleep or on the contrary too much time spent sleeping.

Treating Sleep Disorders in Autism

Treating sleep disorders in autism does not have a general approach because autism is a spectrum disorder and it manifests differently in every person therefore every child needs to have specific treatment worked out by a doctor. Autism cannot be cured but efficient treatment will improve the sleep disorders in autism and other behavioral differences.

Living with autism can be overwhelming for the child and the parent. However, the more you learn about this disorder the more you will be able to understand your child and help him or her lead as normal a life as possible under the circumstances.


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