Sleep Disorders Glossary – D
Deep Sleep
Deep sleep refers to combined non-REM.
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder in which the patient's internal body clock is not in sync with the morning-rise / evening-sleep pattern of the majority of adults.
A growing body of evidence suggests that the problem is genetic. DSPS patients may have a severely reduced reaction to the re-setting effect of light on the body clock.
Delta sleep is also referred as slow wave sleep. It is the term used to describe the 3 and 4 stages of NREM sleep. Deep sleep occurs in these 3 and 4 stages of NREM. In most adults these two stages are completed within the first two 90 minute sleep cycles or within the first three hours of sleep.
Delta waves
Delta waves is a slow brain wave, having a frequency of fewer than six cycles per second, that emanates from the forward portion of the brain and is associated with deep sleep in normal adults. Also called Delta Rhythm or Delta Activity.
Desynchronization
Desynchronization is the out of syncing of hormone regulation and digestive cycles. This explains jet lag because lack of sleep doesn’t cause these problems, but by changing circadian rhythms, these other systems become unadjusted. Travelers are thus groggy.
Diagnostic sleep study
Diagnostic sleep study is c ontinuous monitoring of several physiological activities in a sleeping individual. Usually performed to determine the absence or presence of a specific sleep disorder. A diagnostic sleep study can be performed in a sleep disorders center or in a patient's home with portable recording equipment.
Diaphragm
Diaphragm is the muscular membranous partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities and functioning in respiration. It is also called midriff.
Diurnal
Diurnal is active and wakeful in the daytime, as opposed to active in the nighttime.
Dopaminergic Agents
Dopaminergic agents are a class of drugs synthesized with the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are most often used to treat Parkinson's patients and also helpful in managing Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and Restless Legs Syndrome.
Durable Medical Equipment/DME
Durable Medical Equipment/DME are the equipments such as wheelchairs and walkers, which are prescribed on the order of a physician. This includes CPAP and Bi-Level machines.
Dreams
Dreams is series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.
Drowsiness/Drowsy
Drowsiness, Drowsy is a state of impaired awareness associated with a desire or inclination to sleep. Also called hypnesthesia.
Dyssomnias is a broad classification of sleeping disorder that make it difficult to get to sleep, or to stay sleeping.
|
