4.4) Sleep Problems and Disorders

________ is another word for sleepwalking. a) insomnia b) somnambulism c) cataplexy d) narcolepsy

b) somnambulism

________ is loss of muscle tone or control that is often associated with narcolepsy. a) RBD b) CPAP c) cataplexy d) insomnia

c) captaplexy

cognitive-behavioral therapy

psychotherapy that focuses on cognitive processes and problem behaviors that is sometimes used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia

sleep apnea

sleep disorder defined by episodes during which breathing stops during sleep

obstructive sleep apnea

sleep disorder defined by episodes when breathing stops during sleep as a result of blockage of the airway

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)

sleep disorder in which the muscle paralysis associated with the REM sleep phase does not occur; sleepers have high levels of physical activity during REM sleep, especially during disturbing dreams

night terror

sleep disorder in which the sleeper experiences a sense of panic and may scream or attempt to escape from the immediate environment

narcolepsy

sleep disorder in which the sufferer cannot resist falling to sleep at inopportune times

restless leg syndrome

sleep disorder in which the sufferer has uncomfortable sensations in the legs when trying to fall asleep that are relieved by moving the legs

central sleep apnea

sleep disorder with periods of interrupted breathing due to a disruption in signals sent from the brain that regulate breathing

sleepwalking

(also, somnambulism) sleep disorder in which the sleeper engages in relatively complex behaviors

One of the recommendations that therapists will make to people who suffer from insomnia is to spend less waking time in bed. Why do you think spending waking time in bed might interfere with the ability to fall asleep later?

-Answers will vary. -One possible explanation might invoke principles of associative learning. -If the bed represents a place for socializing, studying, eating, and so on, then it is possible that it will become a place that elicits higher levels of arousal, which would make falling asleep at the appropriate time more difficult. -Answers could also consider self-perpetuating cycle referred to when describing insomnia. If an individual is having trouble falling asleep and that generates anxiety, it might make sense to remove him from the context where sleep would normally take place to try to avoid anxiety being associated with that context.

How is narcolepsy with cataplexy similar to and different from REM sleep?

-Similarities include muscle atony and the hypnagogic hallucinations associated with narcoleptic episodes. -The differences involve the uncontrollable nature of narcoleptic attacks and the fact that these come on in situations that would normally not be associated with sleep of any kind (e.g., instances of heightened arousal or emotionality).

An individual may suffer from ________ if there is a disruption in the brain signals that are sent to the muscles that regulate breathing. a) central sleep apnea b) obstructive sleep apnea c) narcolepsy d) SIDS

a) central sleep apnea

The most common treatment for ________ involves the use of amphetamine-like medications. a) sleep apnea b) RBD c) SIDS d) narcolepsy

d) narcolepsy

continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

device used to treat sleep apnea; includes a mask that fits over the sleeper's nose and mouth, which is connected to a pump that pumps air into the person's airways, forcing them to remain open

sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

infant (one year old or younger) with no apparent medical condition suddenly dies during sleep

cataplexy

lack of muscle tone or muscle weakness, and in some cases complete paralysis of the voluntary muscles

parinsomnia

one of a group of sleep disorders characterized by unwanted, disruptive motor activity and/or experiences during sleep