The PTSD and Sleep Apnea Connection

The PTSD and Sleep Apnea Connection

Several recent studies have shown a very high incidence of sleep apnea in anxiety disorders.  These include disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder as well as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  Sleep apnea...
Alzheimer’s and the Sleep Cycle

Alzheimer’s and the Sleep Cycle

It is well-known that people with Alzheimer’s have difficulty with sleep.  One of the areas the disease attacks is the sleep/wake center of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus.  This results in severe problems with the timing of falling asleep and waking up –...
Sleep and Cancer

Sleep and Cancer

Most recently, there have been two studies that show a link between Sleep Apnea and Cancer. In a study, performed in Wisconsin, people with severe Sleep Apnea were found to have a 5 times higher chance of dying from cancer when followed over a 20 year period. A second...
Dream Enactment

Dream Enactment

There is a sleep disorder characterized by people acting out their dreams known as Rem Behavior Disorder (RBD). Typically, the dreams that are being acted out are violent in nature. Interestingly, these patients are usually very nonviolent. Having this disorder can...
Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder. It occurs between 3 and 15% of the population. It is more common in women and increases with age. However, it can occur in children and has been mistaken for “growing pains” in the past. RLS is characterized by an...
Pulmonary Disease and Sleep

Pulmonary Disease and Sleep

Most people do not realize the effect of sleep on breathing at night. People with breathing disorders such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and Pulmonary Fibrosis, may have borderline normal levels of oxygen during the day, however, with the onset of...