Sleep Apnea, also called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a serious disorder involving frequent partial or complete obstruction of the airway during sleep. The most common symptoms of OSAS are:

• excessive daytime sleepiness
• heavy snoring
• choking during sleep
• multiple awakenings at night.

The diagnosis of sleep apnea is usually made by an overnight sleep study done at a sleep disorder center.

Treatment will depend on the type of apnea the person experiences, but in most cases a mask is fitted over the nose to create positive pressure on the airway to keep it open during sleep.

Is an overwhelming urge to move the legs usually caused by uncomfortable or unpleasant sensations in the legs. The sensations have the following features:

• Occur during periods of inactivity
• Become more severe in the evening and at night
• Are relieved by movement of the limb
• Often cause insomnia & excessive daytime sleepiness
• May cause involuntary jerking of the limbs during sleep and sometimes during wakefulness

Is a complaint of inability to initiate or maintain sleep. Insomnia may be caused by many conditions such as: stress, anxiety, depression, pain or acute illness, breathing disorder or even heart problems.

An estimated 12% of the population use some form of sleep aid (over the counter pills or alcohol), however the appropriate diagnosis is vital so the right therapy can be achieved.

Is a sleep disorder of neurological origin, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. It can begin at any age and continues throughout life. The main symptoms are:

• excessive daytime sleepiness
• Cataplexy (the feel of muscle weakness when being surprised or angry)
• terrifying dreams or hallucination and the temporary feel of muscle paralysis at sleep onset or awakening from sleep

The diagnosis is made by the history and often required overnight sleep study followed by Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT).

Some people find that they are not able to fall asleep until 2:00 or 3:00 am, and then have trouble waking up in time for work or school. This problem - which is more common in young adults than in other age groups - can interfere with employment and school, and can lead to psychological stress.

This syndrome is more common among older adults and has only recently been recognized as a significant problem. Sleepiness usually begins in the early evening. Sufferers often wake up too early and then aren't able to go back to sleep.