Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders is a group of disorders that are characterized by problems with sleeping that may include trouble in falling asleep, trouble in staying asleep, sleeping at the wrong times, sleeping too much and showing abnormal behavior patterns during sleep. Sleeping disorders can be categorized into four main types: trouble falling asleep and staying asleep also known as insomnia, trouble in staying awake or sleeping too much during the daytime, trouble in following a regular sleep schedule (also referred to as problem with sleep rhythm) and presence of unusual and abnormal behaviors while asleep, also referred to as sleep-disruptive behaviors. One of the most common types of sleep disorder is insomnia that is characterized by difficulty falling and staying asleep at night leading to symptoms of daytime sleepiness and decreased energy levels. Other types of sleep disorders include sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome (RLS), Narcolepsy, problems due to jet lag etc.

Depression

Our understanding of depressive disorders has evolved with time. Hippocrates referred to the condition as melancholia. Freud considered the condition a consequence of guilt and conflicting emotions. The 1950s saw the condition being divided into endogenous and neurotic depression.Today there is consensus that depression is a syndrome often characterized by more than one symptom. Intense sadness and irritability for either short or long durations manifest during episodes of the condition. Physical signs include lethargy, body aches, mood swings, lack of appetite, overeating, and poor sleep patterns.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents leak out into the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Common symptoms include heartburn, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and difficulty swallowing. Less commonly, throat pain, nausea, coughing and increased salivation may also be observed, and frequent reflux is associated with an increased risk of tooth decay due to acid erosion. Most people will experience occasional episodes of symptomatic acid reflux, and it is usually no cause for concern.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is temporarily suspended during sleep. There are several forms of sleep apnea, including central, complex and obstructive sleep apnea, of which the latter is the most common. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may involve two different types of breathing interruption: apnea and hypopnea. Apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes obstructed due to collapse of the muscles and soft tissues of the throat during inspiration. Hypopnea is said to occur when the blockage is only partial, resulting in a significant reduction in airflow.

Esophagus

From the back of the mouth (the pharynx) to the top of the stomach, the esophagus is a muscular tube for foods and liquids. It’s relatively tough and resilient as organs go, built to take most of the material human beings ingest. For the most part, it’s not a very complicated organ. Depending on the height of the person, it’s about 10 inches long (25 cm) and 1 inch in diameter (2-3 cm). The esophagus’ geography usually divides into three sections: cervical at the top, thoracic in the middle, and abdominal at the bottom.