Sleep disorder

Sleep disorder

The disturbance of normal sleep patterns caused by a broad range of illnesses, including dysfunctional sleep mechanisms, abnormalities in physiological functions during sleep, abnormalities of the biological clock, and sleep disturbances that are induced by factors extrinsic to the sleep process.

Industry: Health care

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Sleep disorder

Biological clock

Health care; Sleep disorder

A collection of cells that regulates an overt biological rhythm, such as the sleep/wake cycle, or some other aspect of biological timing, including reproductive cycles or hibernation. The biological ...

Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome

Health care; Sleep disorder

A condition related to obstructive sleep apnea in which a very obese person does not breathe sufficient air during sleep or while awake. Also called Pickwickian syndrome

Free-running disorder (FRD)

Health care; Sleep disorder

A circadian disorder where the sleep cycle becomes disattached from the normal patterns observed by most of society, such as the rising and setting of the sun. Often afflicts blind people.

Somnipathy

Health care; Sleep disorder

A disorder of sleep patterns which may be severe enough to interfere with a person's normal physical, mental and emotional functions.

Thalamus

Health care; Sleep disorder

A part of the brain consisting of two large ovoid structures at the base of the cerebrum. It acts as a vital relay station between the sensory nerves and the cerebral cortex.

Phase advance

Health care; Sleep disorder

A shift earlier in time, for instance if someone starts going to bed earlier and waking up earlier.

Epworth sleepiness scale

Health care; Sleep disorder

A scale indicating propensity to sleep during the day as perceived by patients. The scale was developed by researchers in Australia and is widely used by sleep professionals around the world to ...