Sleep Disorders Information Or Resources?
I have an unspecified sleep disorder (I have never properly been treated or diagnosed) that has gotten worse in the last six months. I have had it my whole life. On a good day, it fits the description of “Sleep onset insomnia“. But it is unpredictable, and while it does have a “cycle” (actually multiple cycles), I cannot reliably control my sleep (unless I work night shift, then I have less problems, but I still have them). So this morning, I had an episode of sleep paralysis that lasted possibly an hour, I can’t tell how long. I was alert and awake, but still dreaming and unable to move. I was late for work because of it.
So my question…where can I go online for resources or help dealing with an unknown and problematic sleep disorder?
The first step for you is for you to get properly diagnosed. In order to do this, I suggest contacting your Primary Care physician and telling him/her exactly what you just told us.
Your PCP will then refer you to a sleep specialist who is more than likely either a Neurologist or Pulmonologist who specializes in sleep. This physician will conduct an interview and exam and more than likely order what is called a Polysomnography (PSG) or sleep study.
Don’t worry about undergoing this test as it is painfree, although mildly inconvenient. You will be connected to monitors that watch heart rate, respirations, leg movement, brain waves and oxygen saturation. All they use is a sticky goop to connect the electrodes. After you are all hooked up, its off to bed you go! While you sleep a Polysomnography Technician monitors your sleep and records data which is then presented to the doctor at a later time.
Now, keep in mind that I am no physician…however, from the symptoms you are describing, it sounds to me like you may suffer from Narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is diagnosed both through symptomatogly, a sleep study, and one more type of sleep study called a Multiple Sleep Latency or MSLT. During this test, you have the same type of monitors (EEG) monitors and heart monitors connected to you, and you are asked to take a series of fifteen minute naps spaced two hours a part. A standard total of five naps are included in the exam. Should three of the five naps show an onset of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) you will be considered positive for Narcolepsy.
Signs and symptoms of Narcolepsy include the following:
Extreme daytime sleepiness
Cataplexy (muscle weakness) while awake
Hallucinations and sleep paralysis during sleep
Many Narcoleps notice that they tend to instantly fall asleep if experiencing any extreme emotion or excitement. Some may fall asleep while laughing or crying.
The other two symptoms above are relatively self explanatory.
I hope this helps. Cheers!