Seasonal Depression

Shorter days during the winter can lead to depression in people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain and difficulty concentrating. While there is no cure for seasonal depression, treatments such as light therapy, antidepressants and psychotherapy can alleviate symptoms. To learn more about SAD, please schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians at Sleep & Neurology Consultants at 713-465-9282.

 Fibromyalgia

 Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that requires 11 out of 18 tenderpoints and is present for >3 months.  Sleep disturbance is a major complaint of FM patients.  The incidence is 3% of the population and 75% of sufferers are women between the ages of 30-50.  Of these 20-50% have concomitant depression and 31% have an increase in Restless Legs Sydrome.  Sleep spindles which originate in the thalamus are hypothesized to assist in maintaining and protecting sleep against disturbing stimuli.  A reduction in sleep spindles supports the theory sensory processing in the thalamus is altered so that FM patients are more vulnerable to sleep-disturbing stimuli.

 FM patients will frequently complain of the following:

Decreased sleep efficiency and sleep fragmentation
Early morning awakenings
Daytime fatigue
Insomnia
Feeling of superficial sleep
Longer pain duration
Increased morning stiffness and pain
Longer pain duration (in years)

 

Chronic Pain

 Chronic pain is reported by 11% of adult population and 2/3 of these individuals complain of poor quality sleep.  Coexistent Conditions can exacerbate sleep complaints.  These can include:

Anxiety
Depression
Pre-existing insomnia
Sleep Apnea
Periodic Limb Movements
Aging
Sleep Arousals
Lower % of Deep Sleep
Sympathetic over activity (decreased heart rate variability)
Daytime fatigue
Reduced cognitive functioning (reduced memory)
Poor quality of life
Chronic pain is more frequently experienced by women (double the rate of men)
Similar ratio occurs in patients complaining of insomnia
With age, pain becomes more prevalent and lasts longer

 

 

Articles in the Newszzzz:

XYREM Seems to Relieve Pain in Fibromyalgia
(or view pdf )

  OSA Patients & Surgery-What You Should Tell Your Surgeon!

Rapper Died of Sleep Apnea &  Excess Medications - February 5, 2008

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office has ruled that rapper Pimp C, whose real name was Chad Butler, died in December of sleep apnea combined with excess cold medications.  Butler was one-half of the duo, UHK, which ironically received its first-ever Grammy nomination just two days after his death.  Butler was 33 years old.