We have collected some information from the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center
of South Florida, Inc. Please take your time and look through this information
on everything from Narcolepsy to Sleep Apnea.

Good Sleeping Habits

• Get up about the same time every day.
• Go to bed only when sleepy.
• Avoid ingestion of caffeine within six hours of bedtime. Don't drink alcohol, especially when sleepy.
• Establish relaxing pre-sleep rituals such as a warm bath, light bedtime snack, or 10 minutes of reading.
• Exercise regularly. Confine vigorous exercise to early hours, at least six hours before bedtime, and do mild exercise such as simple stretching or walking at least four hours prior to bedtime.
• Keep a regular schedule. Regular times for meals, medications, chores, and other activities help keep the inner clock running smoothly.
• Avoid smoking close to bedtime.
• Try to nap at the same time every day; mid-afternoon is the best time for most people.
• Avoid sleeping pills, or use them conservatively. Most doctors avoid prescribing sleeping pills for periods longer than three weeks. Do not drink alcohol while taking sleeping pills.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea
Periodic obstruction to airflow occurring during sleep and caused by abnormalities of the soft tissues of the mouth and throat resulting in interruption and fragmentation of an individuals sleep. Symptoms may include excessive daytime sleepiness, anxiety, depression, reduced memory or concentration and even reduced sex drive. Patients with untreated sleep apnea have an increased incidence of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and traffic accidents.

Narcolepsy
A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and recurring unwanted episodes of sleep ("sleep attacks"). People with narcolepsy may abruptly fall asleep at almost any time, including while talking, eating, or even walking. The attacks may range from embarrassing or inconvenient to severely disabling, interfering with a person's daily life. An estimated 125,000-250,000 people in the United States have narcolepsy; it occurs about equally in males and females.

Restless Leg Syndrome
This is the disturbance of lightening-fast muscle contractions which cause the leg/legs to jerk.

Snoring
A coarse, vibratory sound made in breathing during sleep or coma. It is caused by vibration of the soft palate and other throat tissues caused by turbulent airflow due to partial obstruction in the nasal and the throat areas.

Insomnia
Inability to initiate and to maintain sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and has a variety of different causes.