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

Electromyogram (EMG)

Health care; Sleep disorder

A measurement of the electrical activity associated with muscle movements. EMG is often performed using an instrument called an electromyograph, to produce a record called an electromyogram. An ...

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Health care; Sleep disorder

A measurement of the electrical activity associated with brain activity. EEG measures voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic current flows within the neurons of the brain. Clinically EEG refers to ...

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Health care; Sleep disorder

A form of depression caused by inadequate bright light reaching the biological clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Consequently, treatment often involves the use of light therapy.

Melatonin

Health care; Sleep disorder

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that is derived from the amino acid tryptophan, which helps synchronise biological clock neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.