Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

As you get older, sleep patterns change, often leading to lighter and shorter sleep with more awakenings during the night.

Narcolepsy is diagnosed using sleep studies and treated with medications and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms.

Older adults generally need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to stay healthy and feel rested.

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to serious health problems, including heart issues and other complications.

If CPAP isn't working for sleep apnea, alternatives include oral appliances, positional therapy, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Each option has different benefits and may suit different people.

Besides excessive sleepiness, common symptoms of narcolepsy include sudden muscle weakness, sleep paralysis, and vivid dreams or hallucinations.

Common sleep disorders in adults include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. These conditions can affect sleep quality and overall health.

Chronically disturbed sleep can lead to several health problems, including increased risk of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and weakened immune function.

Recent advancements in narcolepsy treatment include a new lower-sodium oxybate formulation and improved medications targeting sleep regulation.

The main symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) include loud snoring, frequent awakenings during the night, and feeling very sleepy during the day.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) involves acting out dreams during sleep, often with vocal sounds and sudden movements. People may experience vivid dreams and can sometimes hurt themselves or others while sleeping.

Restless Legs Syndrome in older adults causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, often described as tingling, crawling, or itching, which are relieved by moving the legs.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder often caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking brain cells that help control sleep, possibly triggered by genetic factors and infections.

Older adults often have trouble sleeping due to conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, and other chronic health issues.

AXS-12, also known as reboxetine, is a medication being studied for treating narcolepsy, showing promise in reducing excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy attacks.

Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle control in people with narcolepsy, often triggered by strong emotions like laughter or surprise.

CPAP therapy is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that uses a machine to help keep your airways open while you sleep.

Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder is when a person’s sleep schedule is shifted later than normal, making it hard to fall asleep and wake up at conventional times.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes people very sleepy during the day and can cause sudden sleep attacks, affecting their daily activities and quality of life.

Personalized medicine in sleep apnea treatment means creating a plan that fits each person's unique needs, using their specific symptoms and characteristics.

Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a type of sleep apnea that occurs when a person is lying on their back, causing breathing problems during sleep.

The first-line treatment for chronic insomnia is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). It is preferred over medication because it is effective and has lasting benefits.

The gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea is polysomnography, which is typically conducted in a sleep laboratory.

New therapies for narcolepsy are being investigated to not only manage symptoms but potentially modify the disease itself, offering hope for better outcomes.

Orexin, also known as hypocretin, is a chemical in the brain that helps keep us awake. People with narcolepsy often have low levels of orexin, which makes them feel very sleepy during the day.

Losing weight, eating healthy, and exercising can help manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Older adults can improve their sleep by using natural remedies like chamomile and tart cherry juice, along with lifestyle changes.

Restless Legs Syndrome can be managed with non-drug methods like regular exercise, leg massages, and maintaining good sleep habits.

New narcolepsy medications are being studied for safety, but concerns include side effects like narcolepsy-like symptoms and the need for long-term monitoring.

People with narcolepsy often face misunderstanding and stigma because others may not understand their condition, leading to social challenges and difficulties in daily activities.