Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a range of neurocognitive deficits. These decrements are reversible with effective treatment.
The impact of OSAS on adult cognitive and behavioral function is complex, with multiple underlying causes. In addition to apnea, sleep disorders such as insomnia and chronic shift work syndrome may be contributing factors.
Symptoms
Adults with sleep disorders and neurocognitive dysfunction experience cognitive, behavioral, and functional problems as a result of disrupted or interrupted sleep. Common symptoms include difficulties paying attention, fatigue, and mood disturbances such as poor impulse control or a tendency to overreact.
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders in adults. It is characterized by a struggle to fall asleep at bedtime, difficulty staying asleep, or waking up very early in the morning, and is often accompanied by other issues such as night waking, sleep anxiety, and periodic limb movements.
Obstructive sleep apnea is another common type of sleep disorder that causes breathing to be partially or completely blocked repeatedly during sleep. This leads to oxygen shortages in the blood and is associated with daytime sleepiness, behavioral problems, and an increased risk for dementia. If you feel sleepy during the day, then take Modalert 200 and stay fresh during the day.
The relationship between sleep and cognitive function in adults has been well documented, but the impact of respiratory sleep disturbances in adults has not been fully examined. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify whether and how sleep disturbances are associated with cognitive outcomes in adults with DS.
Diagnosis
Sleep disorders are often missed by primary care physicians. Almost 70 million people have sleep problems, but most are undiagnosed.
Most sleep disorders are reversible and improve with appropriate treatment. Some disorders, such as narcolepsy, can also be treated with Modafinil 200 mg, Which helps you stay awake during the day.
The most common sleep disorders in adults are insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They are less likely to be diagnosed by history and physical exam alone, so polysomnography is typically needed for the diagnosis.
Night terrors are another common sleep problem in adults, but they tend to resolve as adult ages. REM sleep behavior disorder, which causes movement during dreams, is also common in adults.
Neurocognitive dysfunction is an umbrella term for a group of diseases characterized by progressive loss of mental function, including memory, reasoning, and social skills. It is a significant health problem, particularly in older individuals, as it may impact the quality of life and increase medical costs. It is important to diagnose and treat it as early as possible.
Treatment
Treatment for adults with sleep disorders and neurocognitive dysfunction is often a combination of behavioral therapy and medications. Medication is only considered when appropriately implemented behavioral therapies are not effective, or when medication is necessary to address an underlying medical condition.
Bedtime refusal or resistance, delayed sleep onset and prolonged night awakenings are common in adults and can have a negative impact on both their mood and academic performance. These problems are also common in adults with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities.
Adults with significant sleep disturbances are at a greater risk for developing other health-related conditions and may be more likely to develop obesity, diabetes, and depression. These health issues can interfere with an adult's ability to concentrate, complete school work and interact with others.
Prevention
An adult can be prevented from developing sleep disorders and neurocognitive dysfunction by ensuring they receive adequate sleep. Generally, adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night and adults eight to ten hours.
In adults, a variety of factors can cause sleep problems. For example, an adult may have a delay in their circadian rhythm (biological clock) that causes them to be awake in the morning or have trouble falling asleep at night.
There are also a number of medical conditions that can affect sleep and lead to sleep disorders, including asthma, ADHD, and certain medications. These can all be addressed by a doctor or sleep specialist.
Recent studies have found that various sleep conditions or parameters (insomnia, fragmentation, daytime dysfunction, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, and excessive time in bed) are associated with a higher risk of cognitive disorders. Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, for instance, is linked to increased cerebral Ab deposition.
