Sleep Disorders Flashcards
What type of sleep is narcolepsy a disorder of?
REM
In what condition do you get a sudden decrease in voluntary muscle tone occuring with sudden emotion such as laughter?
Cataplexy
What is the main symptom of narcolespy?
Excessive daytime tiredness
In which condition do you get uncontrollable urges to sleep at inappropriate times such as eating a meal or talking?
Narcolepsy
How are narcolepsy and cataplexy related?
Cataplexy is a specific symptom of narcolepsy although narcolepsy can occur without cataplexy
In what condition do you feel awake but are unable to move?
Sleep paralysis
What is the most common reason for sleep paralysis?
Sleep deprivation
What treatments are available for narcolepsy?
Modafinil Dexamphetamine sulphate Methylyphenidate Antidepressents (SSRIs) Planned naps throughout the day
What treatments are available for cataplexy?
Sodium Oxybutate
Clomipramine hydrochloride
SSRI
Amphetamines
How do you confirm a diagnosis of narcolepsy?
Multiple sleep latency test
You do a LP and take a sample of CSF from someone with narcolepsy/ What are you likely to see?
Low hypocretin
What part of the brain is thought to be associated with circadian rhythm, particularly sleep - wakefullness cycle?
Suprachiasmatic nucleus (sita just above the optic chiasm)
Is REM or non REM sleep more important?
Non REM
In mild sleep deprivation what part of the brain is affected most?
Prefrontal cortex
What are the symptoms of sleep deprivation (besides tiredness)
Becoming irritable and suspicious
Visual Illusions
Microsleeps and concentration lapses
Give three things that are not affected by the prefrontal cortex
Well rehearsed tasks
Routine behaviour
Logic tasks
What sleep disorder is being described here:
- Sleep walking
- Sleep terrors
- Sleep paralysis
Non REM parasomnia
In what neurological condition do you see disorders of REM sleep?
Parkinsons disease
What is the name given to a sleep disorder in which you act out very vivid dreams whilst you sleep?
REM parasomnia
When do REM parasomnias usually occur?
Latter third of the night
Why do you get parasomnias?
Part of the brain is awake and part is asleep
What is usually the underlying cause of parasomnias?
Sleep deprivation
Stress
What is narcolepsy?
Chronic neurological condition involving the loss of the brains ability to regulate sleep wake cycles. People with the conditions get excessive daytime sleepiness
What is cataplexy?
a medical condition in which strong emotion or laughter causes a person to suffer sudden physical collapse though remaining conscious
Present in 70% of patients with narcolepsy
