sleep Apnoea ----Narcolepsy

[pusskin]

Please will you settle an argument (lol) and tell my hubbie what the difference is in them both?
I say Apnea is disturbed sleep --narcolepsy is when you keep nodding off.

Ta very much x

[rojash]

Apnea is not disturbed sleep, it's failure to breathe properly when you are asleep.

Narcolepsy, is a bit more severe than just "nodding off", it's a complete inability to stay awake.

[Mosaic]

Yes - sleep apnoea is the deprivation of oxygen while your sleeping, so your body is oxygen-deprived and you are groggy / sleepy during the day.
I suspect narcolepsy is a description of a symptom that can be caused by a range of conditions.

[Sqad]

pusskin....you are correct.

[pusskin]

many thanks. I was right then, even though it may have come across that I thought it wasnt a big deal. I know they are serious awfull health problems, and it isnt funny at all. I was laughing at the silly dispute between us. I was right then, and will report back --end of argument! I would hate to have either of these health problems x pusskins

[RATTER15]

Yes pusskin you are correct but it is a little more involved than "disturbed sleep" as others have pointed out and as you are probably aware.

I suffer from sleep apnoea and the the tests at the sleep clinic said that on average I stop breathing for a total of 11 minutes in every hour.

I found that a little scary to be honest.

[pusskin]

ratter15. I do sympathise as it cant be very nice to have sleep interruption and not breath! I am very aware and have seen on the tele of how these things effect your health and your life. Stay happy and well ratter, and all that have these conditions x

[HowardKennitby]

From Chambers on-line

narcolepsy noun a condition marked by sudden episodes of irresistible sleepiness.
ETYMOLOGY: 19c: French narcolepsie.

apnoea or (US) apnea noun, pathol a temporary cessation of breathing, which occurs in some adults during sleep, and in some newborn babies.
ETYMOLOGY: 18c: from Greek apnoia breathlessness.

[pusskin]

Very interesting replies, cant thank you enough folks x

[Sqad]

Everybody, but everybody has periods of apnea at sometime during the night.

[pusskin]

Ohhhh Squad, really? I cannot arouse myself out of bed till 9.00. I have too much sleep, when I can sleep! Thats very suprising.