Extrinsic Dyssomnia

Dyssomnias are disorders of the quality, amount or timing of the sleep. Extrinsic Dyssomnia is sleep disorders caused by external factors rather than by factors within the body. People with extrinsic dyssomnia have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep and are often excessively sleepy during the daytime hours. External causes which might indicate extrinsic dyssomnia rather than intrinsic dyssomnia are those which are not initiated within the body. Examples of external factors which might play a role in a diagnosis of extrinsic dyssomnia include room lighting, environmental noise and nocturnal eating or drinking.

Sub-Types

Since dyssomnia refers to disorders in the timing of the sleep, amount of sleep, or the quality of sleep. Any of these could be associated with an external cause. For example, if a child is accustomed to a regular bedtime and doesn't usually have a problem with going right to sleep, a drastic change in bedtime might be the cause of inability to fall asleep easily. By the same token, a sudden reduction in the amount of sleep time can cause excessive sleepiness during the daytime hours. The amount of noise which surrounds a person during the sleeping hours can cause symptoms of extrinsic dyssomnia.

Causes

Some factors have been isolated as potential causes for the sleeping disorders known as extrinsic dyssomnia. These include environmental noise and light, eating or drinking right before bedtime or even during the night, and such things as consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs. Another related cause is altitude. People who find themselves subject to high levels of stress will often develop extrinsic dyssomnia. Experiencing grief, anxiety, or any type of emotional upheaval can cause insomnia which is one type of extrinsic dyssomnia. Even a fluctuation in the temperature of the room can be enough to cause sleeping disorders such as insomnia or lack of quality sleep.

Symptoms

As stated, the person suffering from extrinsic dyssomnia will often be excessively sleepy during the day. A child will tend to have dull eyes and be unable to focus or concentrate. Conversely, another symptom of this sleeping disorder is insomnia--inability to fall asleep. At time, in addition to insomnia, the person may suffer periods of wakefulness, be awake far earlier than needed and be unable to return to sleep, or may just feel unrested even after plenty of sleeping hours.

Treatment

As with other types of sleeping disorders, treatment possibilities for extrinsic dyssomnia typically follows one or more regimens. Behavioral modifications can include such things as avoiding excess fluids and heavy meals before bedtime, arranging sleeping quarters with comfortable temperatures, low light levels and minimal noise. Avoid eating or watching television in bed. The bed should only be used for sex and sleeping.

Medications are often used for some types of sleeping disorders, but it is unwise to become dependent upon sleeping aids. Medications which are commonly prescribed include those to relieve anxiety or stress. Treatment with medications can be accompanied by behavioral modification for stronger and more lasting effects.

Other somatic treatments can be provided, again combined with behavioral modification for maximum effectiveness.