What is Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS)?

Are you consistently falling asleep 2 hours after your bedtime? You may have Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome or DSPS.

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder is a chronic dysregulation of a person’s biological clock or circadian rhythm. Forcing yourself to adjust your biological clock can make you feel like you have constant jet lag.

This condition may cause you health concerns if you cannot wake up on time without having a healthy amount of sleep.

The 5 main symptoms of Delayed Phase Syndrome:

1. Difficulty falling asleep at the desired time.
2. Difficulty waking up at the desired time.
3. Waking up sleepy and excessive daytime sleepiness.
4. Behavioural problems in adolescents.
5. Depression and anxiety.
6. Society jet lag.

What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder where you may suffer excessive, uncontrollable sleepiness during the day. People suffering from narcolepsy may fall asleep at any time during any activity. The duration of the attack may be brief or it may last up to 30 minutes. The exact reason for this sleeping disorder is not yet known. Experts say that 1 per 2000 people have this disorder.  

Top 5 Symptoms of Narcolepsy:

1. Increased sleepiness during the day: Narcoleptic patients sleep anytime, everywhere, without warning.
2. Sudden muscular tone loss: It can lead to a number of physical alterations, ranging from slurring to complete muscle weakness and can last for a few minutes, called cataplexy.
3. Paralyzed sleep: Narcoleptic people often have temporary failure to move or speak while they fall asleep or wake up. These are usually short episodes.
4. Hallucinations: Patients may experience vivid hallucinations at sleep onset.
5. Memory problems: Patients may have difficulty remembering events or details.  

What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?

Do you experience unpleasant sensations in your limbs just as you at trying to fall asleep each night? Do you have irresistable urgers to move during bedtime? You may be suffering from a very common but relatively unknown disorder called restless leg syndrome or RLS for short.

Studies have indicated that 5% to 15% of the adult population may experience RLS symptoms.

Restless Leg Syndrome is relatively easy to diagnose and the criteria for the diagnosis of RLS, as described by the IRLSSG, include four main symptoms;

Top 4 Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome

1. An urge to move the legs usually accompanied or caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs.
2. The urge to move or unpleasant sensations begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity such as lying or sitting.
3. The urge to move or unpleasant sensations are partially or totally relieved by movements, such as walking or stretching, at least as long as the activity continues.
4. The urge to move or unpleasant sensations are worse in the evening or night than during the day or only occur in the evening or night.

What is REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder?

Do you move vigorously during your sleep? Does your partner complain that you are disruptive or even abusive during sleep time?

REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) is characterized by vigorous sleep movements and behaviours which may result in repeated injury to yourself or even others.

These behaviours are often violent or defensive and occur during the period of sleep called Rapid Eye Movement or REM sleep. Normally during this phase of sleep, we dream and our muscles are usually not activated. Those with RBD experience no loss of this muscle tone and are usually are able to move their bodies and act on their dreams.

You may have REM sleep behaviour disorder if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms;

Top 3 Symptoms of REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder;

1. Talking, shouting or laughing during sleep
2. Violent movements or behaviour
3. Vivid dream recollection

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?

Are you suddenly tired all the time? Is your fatigue combined with a feeling of being unwell?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is the sudden onset of an infectious-type illness, the subsequent chronic and debilitating fatigue.

Extreme fatigue is often combined with illness. Many CFS patients also have recurrent fevers, pharyngitis, adenopathy, myalgias, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairment.

If you are experiencing the following symptoms you may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome;

Top 10 symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

1. Extreme fatigue.
2. Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
3. Muscle or joint pain.
4. Headaches or migraines.
5. Sore glands that are not swollen.
6. Problems thinking, remembering or concentrating.
7. Flu-like symptoms.
8. Feeling dizzy or sick
9. Fast or irregular heartbeats
10. Moodiness or anxiety