Nocturnal asthma: what is it?

Nocturnal asthma, which causes symptoms to worsen at night, can lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue and is potentially life-threatening. The causes are unknown, but physiological phenomena such as decreased levels of natural bronchodilators and hormones may contribute. Treatment involves medication and reducing allergens in the sleeping environment. People with asthma often find that their […]

What’s nocturnal dyspnea?

Sleep dyspnea is a feeling of shortness of breath that can wake a person from sleep and is often indicative of conditions that can be life-threatening, such as heart failure and lung cancer. It cannot be diagnosed by a medical examination and is assessed by the person suffering from the condition. Sleep dyspnea, often referred […]

What’s nocturnal bruxism?

Sleep bruxism is teeth grinding during sleep, causing headaches, jaw pain, and tooth damage. Stress, misaligned teeth, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine may be causes. Mouthguards and stress reduction techniques can help, but anti-anxiety medication is not effective. Parents should discuss symptoms with a doctor if present in children. Sleep bruxism is when someone grinds, grinds, […]

Nocturnal epilepsy: what is it?

Nocturnal epilepsy causes seizures during sleep, which can go unnoticed. Symptoms include soreness, tiredness, headaches, and bedwetting. An EEG test can diagnose the condition, which is treated with antiepileptic drugs or surgery. Nocturnal seizures are less dangerous than daytime seizures but can still cause injury. ADNFLE is a rare type of nocturnal epilepsy that causes […]

What’s nocturnal incontinence?

Nocturnal incontinence, or bedwetting, is the involuntary release of urine while sleeping. It is common in children aged 5-10 and can be caused by slower bladder growth, sleep apnea, genetics, and anxiety. Treatment options include limiting fluid intake, medication, and addressing underlying anxiety. Also known as nocturnal urinary incontinence or nocturnal wetting, nocturnal incontinence is […]

What’s paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea?

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is a serious symptom of various conditions, often caused by left heart failure. It causes shortness of breath and coughing while lying down, which can be relieved by sitting up. Treatment may include medication or surgery, and close monitoring by a cardiologist is recommended. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea can cause great concern and […]

What’s nocturnal hypoglycemia?

Nocturnal hypoglycemia is a drop in blood sugar levels during sleep, commonly seen in diabetes patients. Hypoglycemia unawareness can be dangerous, and symptoms include night sweats, headaches, and exhaustion. It can lead to seizures, coma, and organ damage. Management includes monitoring blood sugar levels, adjusting insulin injections, snacking before bed, and adjusting exercise programs. Partners […]

What’s nocturnal myoclonus?

Nocturnal myoclonus, or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), is a sleep disorder characterized by sudden muscle contractions or relaxation during sleep. PLMD can cause sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness. Diagnosis is made through a sleep study and anecdotal evidence. Treatment includes dopaminergic drugs and low doses of Clonazepam®. Risk factors include age, gender, and other […]

What’s nocturnal oximetry?

Nocturnal oximetry is a non-invasive medical test that monitors a patient’s blood oxygen level overnight, often recommended for patients with disordered sleep to determine if apnea contributes to poor sleep patterns. The patient wears a clip on their finger that records data on their blood oxygen level, which is analyzed by a doctor to determine […]

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