Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

RLS is a neurological disorder. Symptoms include unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move the legs while sitting and/or lying in bed. The sensations are described as burning, creeping, tugging, or insects crawling inside the legs and range from uncomfortable to painful. The most unusal aspect of this condition is that lying down to sleep can trigger it. It's possible for anyone no matter your age to have this disorder, but it does seem to get worse as we age.

Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a disorder that is often found in RLS patients. It's the involuntary leg twitching or jerking movements during sleep. These involuntary movements can occur every 10 to 60 seconds, and sometimes they occur on and off all night. While the patient has no control over PLMD, the patient has some control over the movements they make with RLS.

The cause of RLS is mostly unknown. There are some indications that there is a type that is hereditary. The familial form starts earlier and progresses more slowly. They have found that people with the following risk factors are more likely to develop the condition:

• low iron levels or anemia
• kidney failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy
• women who are pregnant
• Certain medications-such as antinausea drugs (prochlorperazine or metoclopramide), antiseizure drugs (phenytoin or droperidol), antipsychotic drugs (haloperidol or phenothiazine derivatives), and some cold and allergy medications-may aggravate symptoms.
• caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may aggravate or trigger symptoms in patients who are predisposed to develop RLS

There is no single test that can say for sure whether the problem is RLS or not. These are the criteria a doctor uses to make the diagnosis:

• a desire to move the limbs
• symptoms that are worse or present only during rest and are partially or temporarily relieved by activity
• motor restlessness
• nocturnal worsening of symptoms

Most people with RLS have sleep disturbances, largely because of the limb discomfort and jerking. The result is excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

Treatment, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, involves "...finding any possible underlying disorder. Often, treating the associated medical condition, such as peripheral neuropathy or diabetes, will alleviate many symptoms. For patients with idiopathic RLS, treatment is directed toward relieving symptoms.

For those with mild to moderate symptoms, prevention is key, and many physicians suggest certain lifestyle changes and activities to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may provide some relief. Physicians may suggest that certain individuals take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium. Studies also have shown that maintaining a regular sleep pattern can reduce symptoms. Some individuals, finding that RLS symptoms are minimized in the early morning, change their sleep patterns. Others have found that a program of regular moderate exercise helps them sleep better; on the other hand, excessive exercise has been reported by some patients to aggravate RLS symptoms. Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs, or using a heating pad or ice pack can help relieve symptoms in some patients. Although many patients find some relief with such measures, rarely do these efforts completely eliminate symptoms."

Medication is used to reduce the symptoms. Benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam and diazepam) may be prescribed for patients who have mild or intermittent symptoms, but they can induce or aggravate sleep apnea, so those with this condidtion shouldn't take this. There are many types of medication your doctor can prescribe for RLS.

There is no cure for RLS. Those with RLS can go into remission of the symptoms for days, weeks, even months, but the condition usually returns. A diagnosis of RLS does not indicate the onset of another neurological disease.

Researchers are investigating the possible role of dopamine function in RLS. Dopamine is a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals between one area of the brain and another. Researchers suspect that problems with the transmission of dopamine signals may play a role in RLS.

More information can be found at these links:

• Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
• National Sleep Foundation
• WE MOVE (Worldwide Education & Awareness for Movement Disorders)
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Sleep apnea, RLS, and PLMD seem to go hand in hand. I've been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and RLS. I also have the PLMD because I have trouble with my legs jerking and I'm not able to control it. I am also having trouble with my hands jerking and I have a feeling it's all related.

Dale L. Edwards

Christmas Gifts for the Sleep Deprived

Does someone on your Christmas list have a sleep disorder? Here are 10 ideas for you to consider.

1. The Insomnia Answer
This book gives tips on getting a good night's sleep for those who suffer from insomnia.

2. The Ultimate Relaxation Album
A soothing music album.

3. An Electric Blanket
Trouble sleeping can come from being cold and an electric blanket or a heated mattress pad might just do the trick.

4. Yoga to Help You Sleep
Gentle yoga exercises for better sleep.

5. Herbal Tea
There are herbal teas that help us get a good night's sleep.

6. Slippers
A warm, soft pair of slippers.

7. A Novel
If sleep is impossible, a person might as well read.

8. A Movie
If they like movies, a movie might be just the thing for those long nights.

9. Aromatherapy
Relaxing scented candles, massage oils, and more.

10. Gift Basket
Use your knowledge of the recipient to fill your own gift basket.

These are just a few ideas. There are many more possibilities out there.

Dale L. Edwards

Electric Zap During Sleep

There is a research study investigating the effect of electric current to the brain during sleep. Their findings show an 8% increase in memory when they use a certain frequency.

"Students we tested were better at remembering a vocabulary list with oscillating electric stimulation," said lead researcher Jan Born, from the Department of Neuroendocrinology at the University of Luebeck, in Germany. "Between stimulation we observed increased slow oscillating activity, which is generated by the brain itself. This intensifies slow-wave sleep," he said.

It is possible that electric stimulation might enhance the memory of older patients or patients with Alzheimer's, Born said. "We can improve the function of slow-wave sleep and therefore memory," Born said. "It could also have an application in sleep disturbances, because this stimulation also improves sleep."

Born reported his findings in the Nov 5 online edition of Nature.

There seems to be a hot debate over whether memory is actually enhanced. Some believe this could herald a new way to learn, while others say bah humbug to the whole idea that memory can be enhanced during sleep.

I thought this was an interesting article. Especially the idea that using an electric current while we sleep may improve sleep. I don't know about you, but I'll take just about anything that can impove my sleep.

Dale L. Edwards

Natural Cures For Snoring

One of the most common sleeping distractions is snoring - either your own or that of your spouse. It is the reason that husbands and wives sometimes sleep separately, bicker with one another because they are sleep deprived and generally feel exhausted throughout the day due to a lack of sleep. That is the bad news. The good news, however, is that there are natural cures for snoring that can quickly rid you of this nighttime nuisance.

If you suffer from allergies or are congested from a cold or flu, try running hot water in the sink while inhaling the steam. This warmth will open up the nasal passages, allow for better breathing and help to prevent snoring. One of the leading causes of snoring is when air passages, either in the throat or nasal area, becomes restricted. In addition to inhaling steam, allergy and sinus sufferers should try and rid their home of any/all allergens. For example, avoid smoking cigarettes, breathing cigarette smoke, get rid of pet hair, dust, etc. Regular cleaning and the use of air filtration systems will help to accomplish cleaner air. You will be amazed at the dust that air filters will collect, so be sure to change the filter regularly in order to maintain clean air.

When you are ready to turn in for the night, try sleeping on your side instead of your back. If necessary, press a large body pillow against your back to prevent you from turning over in the night. If you try to roll over, the pillow will provide you with some resistance. In addition, there are pillows that are specifically designed to help control snoring. These can be found in the bedding section at almost any retail store. If you are unable to locate a specialty pillow, try elevating your head using two regular pillows. By raising your head slightly, you will be lessening the chance for the uvula, tongue and fatty tissues to relax in the back of your throat and restrict air passages. The better that you can breathe, the less likely you will be to snore.

If these remedies fail to provide relief, consider a lifestyle change. Obesity is a leading cause of snoring and can be best addressed with a combination of diet and exercise. A physician may be helpful in helping you to create a supervised plan. In addition to helping to prevent snoring, obesity can cause many other health problems and should be addressed quickly.

Experts believe that another reason snoring occurs is because the individual sleeps with his/her mouth open. Now, thanks to a revolutionary new product known as Sleep Genie, sufferers have a way to comfortably support their jaw during sleep and may even eliminate snoring during their first use. The best part is that this is a natural snoring remedy, which means it requires no medication, doctor visits or invasive surgery.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:

A new anti-snoring scientific breakthrough is rapidly changing the lives of ex-snorers… because the first night you use it, it stops snoring! Visit SleepGenie.com for more information!

Night Terrors

Night Terrors

When my son was very young he suffered from what we later discovered were night terrors.

At first I didn't know what was wrong, but I knew it was a horrible experience both for him and for us.

He would sit up screaming at night. Thinking he was awake I would go to him and hold him and try to talk to him to calm him. I soon realized that even though it looked like he was looking at me, he wasn't seeing or hearing me. He seemed to have no idea I was holding him, no idea of where he was at. I could do little to comfort him. I did some research and determined for myself that he was suffering from night terrors.

Night terrors arise from the victim not being able to go from one stage of sleep to another.It's like they are stuck in between and don't know their way back. The advice to stop these episodes was both easy and difficult for me as a parent. The victim has to learn to go from one stage of sleep to another on his own. There is not much you can do to intervene and help. So for a few more times what you must do is just let it happen and not try to wake them. As horrible as it was to see and listen too, it worked. After a few more times he had learned and the night terrors stopped. Later he started walking in his sleep, but that's another story.

by Kathleen Milazzo
at Great Blogs

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Whoever has this condition stops breathing many times during the night and usually snores. The muscles in the throat relax during sleep and block the airway. People with uncontroled obstructive sleep apnea are a real danger behind the wheel to themselves and to others. I have obstructive sleep apnea and I didn't realize I had it until I went to the doctor after falling alseep at the wheel at 70mph and waking up heading toward the ditch. My sleep apnea isn't controled because I have trouble using the machine. I also do not drive. I feel I'm too dangerous on the road to drive. I also have low vision and I'm unable to pass the driver's test. The written test is no problem, it's backing up.

Masks

There are two types of machine, one is called Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) and the other is Bilevel Positive Air Pressure (BPAP). I use the BPAP because I couldn't tolerate the CPAP. The BPAP adjusts the pressure automatically while you breathe in and out. Both machines depend on a plastic tube hooked to the machine and to a mask you wear. There are many different types of masks and can be used with either type of machine.

I tried several masks until I found one that I could tolerate. It doen't cover half my face, it looks like a beefed up canula like they use in the hospital to deliver oxygen. However, I'm still having trouble sleeping with the machine. I'm now considering surgery. I'm really tired of being tired.

Oral Appliance for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

While I was researching the different surgical options, I came across this nonsurgical option. An oral appliance fits into your mouth very much like a sports mouth guard. This can be used if the machine isn't being tolerated. It's for mild to moderate sleep apnea and for snorers who don't have sleep apnea. There are more than 40 different types of appliances available on the market, but most can be divided into 2 types, tongue retaining and mandibular repositioning.

A tongue retaining device uses a suction bulb to pull the tongue forward and keep it from falling back and obstructing the throat. It sounds rather uncomfortable to me, but I wouldn't know until I tried it.

A mandibular repositioning device pushes the lower jaw forward and since the tongue is attatched to the lower jaw, it keeps the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airway. Sounds a bit more comfortable. It's adjustable and made out of soft plastic.

Surgery

Palatal restoration is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a doctor's office that implants 3 small woven implants into the soft palate for support. This procedure has an 80% success rate and usually the patient can eat normally the same day of the surger. Over the counter pain medication should be all that's needed for pain.

A uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is inteneded to enlarge the airway by removing the uvula (the fleshy thing that hangs down in the back of the roof of your mouth), tonsils, adenoids, and part of the palate (roof of the mouth). This surgery has only a 40.7% success rate.

A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that bypasses the obstruction by cutting a hole in the throat. The hole is closed during the day and open at night to allow air into the lungs. They have been experimenting with a new mini procedure that relies on a small computer chip to regulate the flow of air into the lungs at night. The hole is much smaller and easier to conceal.

A laser midline glossectomy and lingualplasty reduces the tongue and palate. Does not change the dental bite and involves only soft tissue.
The maxillomandibular osteotomy or advancement (MMO or MMA) is a more aggressive surgery involving moving the facial structure forward to keep the tongue from falling back and obstructing the throat. Usually done only after the soft tissue surgery has failed.

A two-part inferior sagittal mandibular osteotomy and genioglossal advancement with hyoid myotomy and suspension (GAHM), is a next to last resort (a tracheotomy is the last resort) and a very lengthy surgery.

The radio frequency tissue ablation (RFTA) or Somnoplasty is a minimally invasive and done in the doctor's office under local anesthetic. You can usually resume normal activities the next day.

The tongue suspension procedure or The Repose Bone Screw System, sounds terrible, but is a minimally invasive procedure that is reversible.

Otolaryngologists are specialists in the ears, nose, and throat. There are many subcategories in this specialty. We want to find an otolaryngologist whose specialty is sleep apnea.

Dale L. Edwards

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder. It disrupts the sleep/wake cycle and is caused by the inability of the brain to properly regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Narcolepsy causes a person to fall asleep at odd moments and at odd times. The symptoms of the disorder are excessive daytime sleepyness, cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone), vivid halucinations before falling asleep or just after waking, and brief periods of paralysis before and after sleeping. At this point the cause of narcolepsy is unkown.

The Narcolepsy Network is a source for free information about narcolepsy. Secondary symptoms include automatic behavior, performing a familiar task without conscious thought or memory of performing the task, disrupted nighttime sleep involving many arousals during the night, trouble focusing the eyes, and trouble handling alcohol.

Narcolepsy disrupts the REM phase of sleep. Usually, REM sleep doesn't start for 90 minutes after falling asleep, but with narcolepsy REM sleep starts immediately, and cause halucinations because the person isn't completely asleep before dreaming starts. Dreaming occurs in the REM phase of sleep. Sleepiness during the day is caused by fragments of REM, or periods of REM, occuring inappropriately throughout the day.

According to studies people with narcolepsy have low brain levels of orexin. This was discovered by 2 different research groups, one in California involving dogs and one in Texas involving mice. They have done tests on humans also. They have found that narcolepsy could be a neurodegenerative disease similar to Parkinson's. Other studies have shown that a brain chemical called hypocretin, another name for orexin, is either quite low or missing from the spinal fluid of a person suffering from narcolepsy.

This list of strategies for coping with narcolepsy is from Healthguide for an active healthy lifestyle:

• Take several short daily naps (10-15 minutes) to combat excessive sleepiness and sleep attacks.
• Develop a routine sleep schedule – try to go to sleep and awaken at the same time every day.
• Alert your employers, coworkers and friends in the hope that others will accommodate your condition and help when needed.
• Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment if you are sleepy. Take a nap before driving if possible.
• Join a support group.
• Break up larger tasks into small pieces and focusing on one small thing at a time.
• Stand whenever possible.
• Take several short walks during the day.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine.
• Consider taking a break for a nap during a long driving trip.
• Carry a tape recorder, if possible, to record important conversations and meetings.

No treatment for narcolepsy that will cure or mask symptoms to make symptoms totally disappear. This is a chronic disease where there are good days and bad days.

Dale L. Edwards

Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and is more common among women than men. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting back to sleep after waking during the night, you may have insomnia. The three main categories of insomnia are transient, intermittent, and chronic. Chronic insomnia is either primary, not related to any other health condition, or secondary, caused by an underlying condition or a poor sleeping environment.

Transient insomnia is not serious, and is usually caused by an upset during the day, and will resolve itself in a few days. Look over these 41 simple tips to help you get to sleep. You've probably heard of most of them before, but I think you'll find some you haven't seen before.

Intermittent insomnia usually has the same causes as transient insomnia and should respond to the same treatment.

Although transient and intermittent insomnia aren't serious, chronic insomnia is more serious. Psychophysiologic Insomnia can follow transient insomnia and becomes a vicious circle. A person can come to dread going to bed, fearing they won't be able to sleep, and the dread they feel can lead to chronic insomnia.

Other conditions, medical or psychological, can cause insomnia. Nightly leg problems, either pain or restless leg symdrome, can cause insomnia. There are medical problems that can cause insomnia and include GERD, Parkinson's, and arthritis among other conditions, and the medication we take to control these conditions can cause insomnia. Anxiety, depression, and bipolar are psychological problems that can cause insomnia.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment:

• Develope good sleep habits.
• Exercise.
• Avoid large meals and excessive fluids before bedtime.
• Control your environment.
• Correct sleep misconceptions.
• Behavior management.
• Light therapy.
• Medications.

Prevention:

1. Anticipate jet lag induced insomnia.
2. Prepare a plan to deal with shift work.
3. Manage your stress.

Secondary insomnia is caused by medical and psycological conditions that interfere with sleep. Arthritis and fibromyalgia cause pain. GERD causes heartburn and choking at night. A doctor needs to determine what is causing your chronic insomnia if there is a secondary cause for the insomnia.

Dale L. Edwards

Sleep Disorders

I didn't realize there are over 100 different sleep disorders, but I learned quickly when I started researching sleep disorders. I found out there are four main categories of sleep disorders which are described below. Each of these categories have several subcategories which list different types of disorders. I chose a few of the disorders and have expanded a bit about them. I'll go into more detail in later posts.

Four Main Categories of Sleep Disorders

Dyssomnias are disorders of timing, amount, or quality of sleep and results in excessive sleepiness during the day and insomnia.

1. Intrinsic sleep disorders originate inside the body like psychophysiological insomnia, ideopathic insomnia, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and periodic limb movements disorder which are a few of the more common intrinsic sleep disorders.
2. Extrinsic sleep disorders originate outside the body like inadequate sleep hygiene, environmental sleep disorder, insufficient sleep syndrome, stimulant-dependent sleep disorder, alcohol-dependent sleep disorder, and hypnotic-dependent sleep disorder are a few of the extrinsic sleep disorders.
3. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders describe the disruption of the sleep cycle like jet lag, shift-work sleep disorder, irregular sleep-wake pattern, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and advanced sleep phase syndrome.

Parasomnias are disorders of partial arousal, disorders that interfere with sleep stage transitions or abnormal events that occur during sleep.

1. Arousal disorders like confusional arousals, sleepwalking, and sleep terrors are common examples of arousal disorders.
2. Sleep-wake disorders interfere with sleep stage transitions such as rhythmic movement disorder, sleep starts, sleeptalking, and nocturnal leg cramps are a few examples.
3. Other parasomnias include these common disorders; sleep bruxism (teeth grinding), sleep enuresis (bedwetting), primary snoring, infant sleep apnea, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
4. Parasomnias like nightmares, sleep paralysis, and REM sleep behavior disorder are disturbances of the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep.

Medical/Psychiatric Disorders are attributed to medical or psychiatric disorders.

1. Alcoholism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, sleep-related gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, and fibrositis syndrome are examples of medical disorders associated with sleep disorders.
2. Degenerative brain disorders, dementia, sleep-related epilepsy, and sleep-related headaches are associated with neurological disorders.
3. Psychoses, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders can result in excessive sleepiness, insomnia, or other disruptions in the sleep cycle and associated with psychiatric disorders.

Proposed Sleep Disorders are sleep problems with not enough information available to positively establish them as distinct disorders. Examples are:

• short sleepers (someone who regularly sleeps less than 75% of the sleep time typically required for his or her age group but feels no negative effects from this shortened sleep)
• long sleepers (someone who regularly sleeps more than 10 hours a night)
• subwakefulness syndrome (lack of daytime alertness with no apparent sleep disruption)
• fragmentary myoclonus (brief, involuntary jerks or twitches), sleep hyperhydrosis (night sweats)
• menstrual-associated sleep disorder
• pregnancy-associated sleep disorder
• terrifying hypnagogic hallucinations
• sleep-related laryngospasm
• sleep choking syndrome

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, so you are unable to get enough sleep for you to feel rested. This is the most common sleep disorder in America. More women than men experience insomnia, and the older we are the more likely we'll experience insomnia. Insomnia is usually caused by some underlying condition like stress, anxiety, digestive problems, pain, medications, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, and others.

Narcolepsy is the inability to control the timing of sleep. People with narcolepsy are not perpetually sleepy; they can't control when they will sleep. They are also more prone to accidents and interpersonal problems. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, falling asleep at inappropriate times, loss of muscle tone caused by emotional stimuli but no loss of consciousness and the inablilty to speak (cataplexy), hypnogenic hallucinations in the period between the transition between waking and sleep, sleep paralysis between sleeping and waking, waking up repeatedly during the night, as well as leg jerks, nightmares, and restlessness.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the brief and repeated stopping of breathing during sleep due to the throat muscles being unable to keep the throat open when trying to breathe. Uncontrolled sleep apnea can be life threatening, causing heart failure, high blood pressure, and other health problems, but the most dangerous thing you can do is get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. When the sleep apnea is uncontrolled, you are very likely to fall asleep behind the wheel. You may not be injured, but others involved in the accident can be killed. I liken it to drunk driving. With sleep apnea you are not only sleepy, but your mental facilities are impaired by not enough oxygen in your blood. There is a forum at this link for those with sleep apnea.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder is a rare condition that interferes with normal REM sleep. The pons, an area of the brainstem, sends signals to the cerebral cortex which controls thinking and organizing information. The pons also sends signals to the muscles during REM sleep that causes temporary paralysis. In people with REM sleep disorder, these signals are turned into dreams that the person acts out their dreams, and can actually hurt themselves or someone else.

Sleepwalking (Somnambulism) is more common in children than in adolescents or adults. Not serious unless the sleepwalker injures themselves or others. The sleepwalker doesn't remember the episodes. Isn't related to REM sleep behavior disorder.

Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder are very uncomfortable and keep waking the sleeper up, even if the sleeper isn't aware of the problem at night, like me. I have RLS and PLMD. RLS causes strange feelings in your legs and you feel like you just have to move them. Many times when these feelings come on I would rub the leg that was giving problems at that time. PLMD causes uncontrolled muscle movements, usually in the legs, but can also affect other parts of the body. I have been awakened by every muscle in my body jerking just as I'm drifting off to sleep.

Inadequate Sleep Hygiene is poor sleep habits that you can correct yourself. Some of the bad habits are: alcohol, caffeine loaded drinks, nicotine, spend too much time in bed, donÂ’t go to bed and wake up at the same times everyday, nap too often or too long, worry, excitement, mental stress, and physical exercise too close to bedtime. Inadequate sleep hygiene can cause mood changes, depression, short attention span, poor concentration, daytime sleepiness , frustration with sleeping, caffeine dependence, and alcohol abuse or dependence.

I will continue in the next post with more detailed descriptions of the different sleep disorders.

Dale L. Edwards

My Struggles with Sleep Apnea

I have sleep apnea, and I would really like to get a good night's sleep. I want to get up in the morning and have energy to do more than I absolutly have to do. I drag through the day trying to be alert enough to remember what I have to do, and do it right. Of course, if I could use my machine, I would be more alert and energetic. That's the rub. I can go to sleep with the machine on, but I wake up during the night unable to stand to have that mask on one instant more. When I wake up like this, I know if I don't take the mask off I'll never get back to sleep. Other nights I sleep all night, but I wake up without the mask.

I've come to the conclusion that the acid reflux is, perhaps, the culprit. The mask isn't bothering me any more because it's comfortable. I take sleeping pills to keep me asleep all night, but even with the sleeping pills I wake up anywhere from 4 to 6 in the morning after going to bed at 1am. This is not working well. I'm only getting about 4 hours of sleep a night.

I'm not supposed to nap, because I'm having trouble sleeping at night. I've never had so much trouble staying asleep. I used to be able to sleep in the afternoon and be ready for bed again at bedtime.

I'm on a quest to learn more about sleeping, and try to discover why I'm having so much trouble doing something that's supposed to come naturally. I'm going to explore sleep disorders, their treatments, and the new research discoveries. I hope you'll come along and learn with me. I'm looking forward to the journey.

Dale L. Edwards