Sleep is one fundamental part of life we all cannot do without. The more or less of sleep we get as individuals go a long way to shape our appearance, demeanor, functionality and the totality of how our daily activities are carried out. For some, sleep comes so easily especially after an exhausting day at work, school or other walks of life, while others could lay in bed waiting for hours to get some sleep, some individuals even have to go all the way to taking medications before they could achieve a good night sleep.

The human body is designed to operate a circadian rhythm that switches between a period of wakefulness and sleepiness within a 24-hour cycle. The part of the brain referred to as the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus coordinates the circadian rhythm transitioning the three primary states of Wake, Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep seen in every normal human.




The American Academy of Sleep Medicine most recent staging of sleep is into the following categories:

• Stage W: This is the period of wakefulness / alertness.
• Stage N1 NREM: Here, the individual experiences light sleep, it is the phase of transition.
• Stage N2 NREM: This is also referred to as sigma sleep and sleep is at intermediate level here.
• Stage N3 NREM: This is also known as delta sleep, here sleep is deep, profound and restful.
• Stage R:This is the active stage of sleep where patient has dreams.

As important as sleep is to every individual, there are challenges with sleep that people experience on a daily basis which are referred to as sleep disorders. These sleep disorders are of various types and manifestations which include: insomnias, narcolepsy, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, jet lag, shift work sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, nightmares, etc.

Insomnia as a case study involves difficulty in initiating sleep, maintaining sleep or waking too early. Sufferers often experience deteriorating functionality at work, school or daily activities, significant drop in level of concentration or memory, headaches, fatigue etc. during daytime. Insomnia could be due to drug abuse, mood disorders, pain, change in environment, significant life-changing events, etc.

Another significant sleep disorder is the Narcolepsy, in which the sufferer experiences excessive drowsiness or sleepiness during the day time despite a refreshing night time sleep. During the period of drowsiness, they are seen talking out of context and writing is often illegible. Cataplexy is a presentation of type 1 Narcolepsy where the individual suddenly falls asleep in surprising or exciting situations or during laughter. It is scientifically believed to be a forceful abrupt introduction of REM sleep into wakefulness. The cataplexy phenomenon could be either partial with head drooping or difficulty formulating speech or generalized where patient falls to the ground.




Sleep-disordered breathing is also a problem experienced by individuals in the society where they experience difficulty maintaining proper breathing while asleep. They are referred to as sleep apneas and they could be obstructive, central or a combination of both. The obstructive sleep apnea is the most common of all age groups, and the risk is higher with increasing age, post-menopausal women, obese patients, alcohol and tobacco use, nasal congestion, etc. In the night, sufferers are often seen snoring, having night sweats, restless seep, periodic awakenings and in the daytime, they are drowsy, fatigued, of irritable mood, have reduced sex drive and headaches.

It is imperative that whatever the sleep disorder may be, one reports to a medical physician for help and adequate intervention. The doctor will take appropriate history from the patient or relative that has a proper account of the sleep disorder, perform necessary examinations, carry out investigations and reach an informed diagnosis. Appropriate treatment modalities spanning from lifestyle changes to medications are then discussed and prescribed respectively.

Sleep is a very important aspect of our lives and should not be taken with levity. Having trouble sleeping? You might just need a doctor.

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