| A |  |
B | |
C | |
D | |
E | |
F | |
G | |
H | |
I | |
J | |
K | |
L | |
M | |
| N | |
O | |
P | |
Q | |
R | |
S | |
T | |
U | |
V | |
W | |
X | |
Y | |
Z | |
Nap - A short period of sleep generally obtained at a time separate from the daily major sleep period.
Narcolepsy - A sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations, and an abnormal tendency to pass directly into REM sleep from wakefulness. It was recently found to be caused by an abnormal gene in the brain.
Nasal Airflow/Nasal Ventilation - A recording of the respiratory cycle by measuring inspiratory and expiratory airflow. In diagnostic sleep studies it is referred to as nasal ventilation or respiratory airflow. It is measured through heat or pressure changes at the nares. This value is usually recorded in both diagnostic sleep studies and CPAP titration sleep studies.
National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research - Created by the U.S. Congress in 1990, the commission conducted a comprehensive study of the social and economic impact of sleep disorders in America, and made recommendations based on its findings to Congress in January of 1993.
Neurology - A specialized branch of medicine that deals specifically with the nervous system and its diseases.
Neurotransmitters - Endogenous chemical components that are released from axon terminals of one neuron and transmit the signal to the next neuron by combining with its receptor molecules. Examples of neurotransmitters that appear to be important in the control of sleep and wakefulness include: norepinephrine, serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine, adrenaline and histamine. The process of neurotransmission may be inhibited, modulated, or enhanced by other chemical mediators within the brain, or by exogenous pharmaceuticals.
Nightmare - An unpleasant and/or frightening dream that usually awakens a person from REM sleep. Occasionally called a dream anxiety attack, it is not synonymous with a night (sleep) terror.
Night Terrors - Also known as sleep terrors, or pavor nocturnus. Usually a disorder of childhood, characterized by a piercing scream, signs of intense fear, and unresponsiveness to other people. It is not a REM stage nightmare, but an incomplete arousal from slow wave sleep. If awakened during a night terror, the individual is usually confused and does not remember details of the event. Night terrors are different from nightmares in that if an individual is awakened during a nightmare, he or she functions well and may have some recall of the nightmare.
Nyctophobia - Morbid fear of the night and darkness.
Nocturia - Excessive, and often frequent, urination during the night.
Nocturnal - "Of the night;" pertains to events that happen during sleep or the hours of darkness.
Nocturnal Confusion - Episodes of delirium and/or disorientation close to or during nighttime sleep; often seen in victims of Alzheimer's disease and more common in the elderly.
Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting) - The release of urine while asleep.
Non-Invasive - Medical procedure that does not penetrate the skin or a body cavity.
NREM Sleep (Non-Rapid Eye Movement, Non-Rem) - All sleep stages other than REM sleep; made up of sleep stages 1 through 4. Characterized by a slowing of brain waves and some physiological functions. A state that lacks the visible motility of rapid eye movements and twitches. See Sleep Stages.
NREM-REM Sleep Cycle (synonymous with Sleep Cycle) - A period during sleep composed of a NREM sleep episode followed by a REM sleep episode. Each NREM-REM sleep couplet is equal to one cycle; with the average duration in adults being 90 minutes. An adult sleep period of 6.5-8.5 hours generally consists of four to six cycles.
NREM Sleep Intrusion - A brief period of NREM sleep patterns appearing in REM sleep, outside of its usual sleep cycle position.
NREM Sleep Period - The NREM sleep portion of NREM-REM sleep cycle. See Sleep Cycle, Sleep Stages.
NREM Sleep - Consists of sleep stages 1 through 4, and characterized by a decrease of mental activity. A state that lacks the visible motility of rapid eye movements and twitches, and exhibits a different EEG pattern than REM sleep. See Sleep Stages.
| Home | Privacy & Security | Search | Sitemap | Contact | Help |
| Copyright © 2002 SleepQuest. All rights reserved. |  |