Kleine-Levin Syndrome

• Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) is a rare sleep disorder marked by uncontrollable sleeping. Unlike those with narcolepsy, sufferers from KLS will sleep for days, weeks, months and sometimes years without waking. KLS symptoms generally appear in adolescents. A worldwide study conducted by the KLS Foundation (see Resources below) found that of 186 people with the disorder, 68 percent of them were male. Along with excessive sleeping, symptoms of KLS include: confusion, irritation and agitation when waking. There have also been reports of hypersexuality (a preoccupation with sex and engagement in sexual activity), as well as hyperphagia (excessive food cravings) when someone with KLS awakes. There is no known effective treatment or cure for KLS at this time.
  
  

Exploding Head Syndrome

• It's not exactly as it sounds. Exploding head syndrome is a parasomnia; that is, an unpleasant event or experience that takes place before or during sleep. Sufferers from exploding head syndrome experience a sudden loud noise that can sound like an explosion (hence the name), the crash of thunder, a gunshot or the crash of cymbals originating from inside the head. The experience itself is painless, but because of the abrupt nature of the parasomnia, sufferers also experience sleeplessness, agitation, increased heart-rate, a sense of panic or terror and a brief sense of confusion. The exact cause of exploding head syndrome is unknown, but it is believed to occur during heightened periods of stress or fatigue. The disorder most often occurs in people above the age of 50, but has been reported in children as young as 10. Treatment for exploding head syndrome involves decreasing stress during the day and relaxation before bed. One medication used for exploding head syndrome is clomipramine, an antidepressant.
  
  

Sleep Apnea

• Sleep apnea is a rare disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea. It is caused by blockages in the respiratory airways. For those with OSA, the muscles in the throat collapse, and the throat momentarily constricts, causing a blockage of air. CSA is a more rare form of sleep apnea, in which the brain itself does not send the proper signals to the lungs and diaphragm. OSA is treated with a machine called a CPAP. The CPAP is a respiratory mask worn during sleep that pushes a gentle stream of air through the throat passageways to ensure breathing. CSA is treated with various medication that encourage breathing.
  
  

Sleep Terrors

• Also known as "night terrors," sleep terrors occur when someone wakes suddenly from sleep by screaming, thrashing around and sometimes getting up and running. Those suffering from sleep terrors are extremely difficult to wake up and do not respond to comforting words or gestures from others. Children experience sleep terrors more often than adults. Adults who experience sleep terrors usually associate them with a frightening dream or nightmare, while children are usually unable to articulate what caused the experience. Sleep terrors can be a dangerous as the person experiencing them may not know what they are doing. People in the throes of sleep terrors can be harmed by thrashing about, knocking things over, tripping over objects or furniture or running into walls or furniture. Sleep terrors in children are common and do not need treatment unless they occur excessively. Sleep terrors in adults are less common and should be treated by a sleep specialist if they happen often.
  
  

Sleepsex

• Sleepsex also called "sexsomnia" is when sleeping individuals make sexual movements, noises, gestures and advances during sleep. The disorder is not officially recognized as a sleep disorder, but is recognized as a type of parasomnia. There is little evidence regarding the disorder as many people are embarrassed and ashamed about their behavior. Those suffering from sleepsex do not recall their behavior upon waking. This often makes for difficulties and conflicts in relationships, as the person not suffering from sleepsex feels violated and used. In some cases, those who experience sleepsex can become aggressive or violent towards their unwilling partners. Although it is a rarely reported event, the scientific community is developing more interest in the behavior.