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I thought this was an excellent overview of sleep disorders and should be a helpful article for those interested in sleep disorders.

Dr. Mike, PhD

This article was helpful, but I have been diagnosed as having Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, akin to obstructive sleep apnea, but not the same. They said my stature was Not the cause(I only need to lose a little weight)and that they didn't know the cause, that it could be 1 of a number of things. I've suspected my tongue falling back, which they said can happen, even when you sleep on your side, which I usually do. I couldn't sleep with the CPAP. I'm hoping to see more on UARS on sleep sites in the future...

I recently went to a sleep study and was told I stopped breathing 113 times in 5&1/2 hours. I went back to get fitted for a cpap machine. I could not take it and felt smothered and claustrophobic. I now just sleep on my side and prop myself with pillows to ensure I don't roll on my back. I also use two pillows under my head to help keep my airway open during the night. I think this is working ok so far.

I am disappointed that no one ever seems to talk about circadium rhythm disorders. Many people who think they have primary insomnia may actually have delayed sleep phase syndrome, and many with terminal insomnia might have advanced sleep phase syndrome. For individuals suffering with these disorders, no amount of sleep hygiene will produce any meaningful result - just more misery and feelings of personal failure.

To my fellow chronic insomniacs, please google these disorders if sleep hygiene and home remedies have not helped you. It is possible that bright light therapy and/or light restriction at the right time of day may help you to better function on a more socially acceptable schedule.

To the author Ms. Stiles, I hope that you will do more thorough research and include info on circadian rhythm disorders before posting future articles. Thanks.

I have experienced in my short nights of sleep . I seem to have these crazy , deeeeep dreams like three times a year. It's weird. I find myself in a possesive dream. Sometimes, I'm flying around in my house at worp speed. Everything is fast and dark around me. My head really hurts too. I am trying so hard to wake up and it's impossible. It feels like I'm being pushed back on the bed and I'm stuck there. Im my dream I'm flying so fast that I bump into everything! I can't seem to even move a arm in my sleep though? I am highly overwhelmed and I stay up all hours of the night studying for test and quizes the next day. I take Honors and Advance placement. I lack sleep. I question my mother about these extremely strange dreams and she said she once had them when she was younger. IT's the scariest dream I possibly have had. I pray that it doesn't happen again. When I finally wake up, my heart's pounding out of my chess and I thank God that I'm alive.

What is the reason for these crazy dreams?

Jennifer & Joseph,

I would strongly encourage both of you to reconsider the use of CPAP or BiPAP. There are different types of equipment from full-face masks to nasal pillows, and BiPAP may make it easier for you to tolerate the pressure than CPAP. Finding the right straps can also be important. You might need a smaller mask but a larger set of straps to hold it in place, or vice versa.

The right pressure titration is extremely important. For example, claustrophobia could be an indication that the pressure is still not adequate.

Finally, other complications such as sinus or nasal inflammation, ear pain, asthma or gastroesophageal reflux could cause initial discomfort. Often these complications will improve with treatment, as they are caused by depressed immunity related to sleep deprivation, or the mechanical stress of gasping for breath.

Best wishes to both of you.

As one who has sleep apnea and narcolepsy, (the narcolepsy was found through blood tests, and that suprised me!) I also found out, that the 'finger' method of detecting oxygen in the blood is so lacking, because they had that silly thing on me and took a blood test and it was extremely low, and the finger light was showing 98% oxygenated!

How ANYONE can sleep, during a sleep test, is beyond me! Its highly uncomfortable, with wires stuck everywhere in your hair, under your nose, on your chin, fingers, toes...what a mess! I went in at 8pm and didnt get to sleep until 3:30am..(silly woman, she kept wanting to keep the pressure at 9 and I was gasping for breath! I fought with her to rinally raise it up to 12! Whew...then she snuck one in on me and put me down to 9 when I went to sleep...No wonder I was unconcious...LOL!

I have been through a variety of masks, from the half mask, to the full mask to the nose plugs that let me breathe and gives me a sore nose every morning now, since I have had it for only a week! hmmm I wish I had my old half mask...*sigh*. You move in the slightest, you break the seal, and it shoots air up into your eyes! My Wife refuses to wear hers, and she stops breathing more than I do! I keep telling her, if she wants to keep living and keep me company, use the mask...but, she refuses..Oh well.

They have different types of machines now, I have the old one, with continuous pressure, but, now they have a new one that is pressure on demand. You breathe, and it 'kicks in'or starts up...(I should be getting this one in June or July, as I have had mine for almost 5 years and my Insurance dictates I get a new one every 5 years..).

Are they impossible to sleep with? Most definetely! I still havent had a good night sleep with these monstrosities and its been almost 5 years using them. But, you get so that you cant live with out them, after you get used to wearing them.

Does it help? I dont know, I have never fallen asleep while driving, though, long distances its been troubling at times and I stop to take a nap at road side rests once in awhile, but never had an accident due to sleeping... And I still take naps! Of course, that could be, because of my heart condition also.

This was a very informative article and I enjoyed it to the fullest! Kudos to the author, your on your way to being a fine journalist.

Just another view point.

May the LORD Bless each of you.

I wish you well...

Jesse Merino

I personally cannot sleep until I murder three cocker spaniels of adult breeding age. After which I sleep as well as a child held tight against his mother's bosom.

This sounds like a great program and a great way to improve education in our schools!

Someone please tell my husband that snoring's not natural.

Thank you for writing the article, I am very pleased with how it came out.