African Sleeping Sickness
African sleeping sickness, also called African trypanosomiasis, is a serious parasitic infection transmitted by infected tsetse flies. The disease occurs in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and can affect the blood, lymphatic system, brain and nervous system. Although its common name highlights sleep disruption, the illness is not an ordinary sleep disorder. Without treatment, it can […]
Quick Shallow Breathing While Sleeping
Quick, shallow breathing during sleep can be unsettling to observe, especially in a child, partner, or older relative. An occasional change in breathing may not indicate a serious problem, but breathing that is repeatedly rapid, unusually light, or accompanied by pauses and gasping deserves attention. The possible causes range from sleep-related airway problems to lung, […]
Why Do I Jump In My Sleep
A sudden jerk just as you are falling asleep can be startling. You may feel your legs kick, your arms twitch, or your entire body jolt awake. Some people also experience a vivid sensation of falling at the same moment. In many cases, this is a hypnic jerk—a brief, involuntary muscle movement that happens during […]
What Causes Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep and wakefulness. The most recognisable feature is severe daytime sleepiness, sometimes accompanied by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of sleep. Although the exact cause is not established in every case, research points to a combination of biological, genetic and possibly immune-related factors. […]
Moving In Sleep
Movement during sleep is common. An occasional twitch, position change, or kick is usually harmless, but repeated or forceful movements can disturb rest, injure a bed partner, or point to a sleep-related condition. The pattern, timing, and accompanying symptoms often provide important clues. Why do people move in their sleep? Sleep movement can have many […]
How To Know If Someone Is In A Deep Sleep
It is not possible to identify deep sleep with certainty simply by looking at someone. Sleep stages are defined by patterns in brain activity, eye movements, and muscle activity, which are measured during a clinical sleep study. However, several visible clues can suggest that a person is in deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep […]
Sleep Disorder Information
Sleep problems are common, but ongoing difficulty sleeping is not something you always have to accept as normal. Sleep disorders can affect how long you sleep, when you sleep, or the quality of your rest. They may also contribute to daytime fatigue, problems with concentration, mood changes, and reduced ability to manage everyday activities. Learning […]
Nrem Sleep Disorders
NREM sleep disorders are sleep-related conditions that arise during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. They are often called NREM sleep arousal disorders because a person partially awakens from deep sleep but remains confused or only partly aware of their surroundings. Behaviors may range from sitting up or speaking to walking, screaming, or appearing intensely frightened. […]
Parasomnia Definition
Parasomnia is a broad term for unusual experiences or behaviors connected with sleep. An episode may occur while a person is falling asleep, during sleep, or while transitioning back to wakefulness. Examples include talking, walking, shouting, moving forcefully, eating, or acting out a dream. Explore how parasomnia definition informs diagnosis and management within broader sleep […]
Restless Nights Sleep
Restless sleep can mean more than simply taking a little longer to fall asleep. You may toss and turn, wake repeatedly, struggle to get comfortable, or lie awake while your thoughts remain active. Even after spending enough time in bed, fragmented sleep can leave you feeling unrefreshed and make the following day more difficult. If […]