What they are, their causes and symptoms, and how people with sleep disorders can get relief

The collective term sleep disorder refers to conditions that affect sleep quality, timing, or duration and impact a person’s ability to properly function while they are awake. These disorders can contribute to other medical problems, and some may also be symptoms for underlying mental health issues.
In 1979, the American Sleep Disorders Association published the first classification system dedicated to sleep disorders. Our knowledge and understanding of sleep health has evolved over the past four decades. More than 100 specific sleep disorders have been identified and today’s classifications use complex methodologies to categorize these disorders based on causes, symptoms, physiological and psychological effects, and other criteria. However, most sleep disorders can be characterized by one or more of the following four signs:

• You have trouble falling or remaining asleep
• You find it difficult to stay awake during the day
• There are imbalances in your circadian rhythm that interfere with a healthy sleep schedule
• You are prone to unusual behaviors that disrupt your sleep

Any of these signs could indicate a sleep disorder. People who experience issues with sleep or daytime energy should consult with their doctor.

Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by an ongoing difficulty to fall or remain asleep despite wanting to sleep and having enough time to sleep. People with insomnia also experience daytime sleepiness and may have difficulty functioning while they are awake. Chronic insomnia is diagnosed when someone has these symptoms at least three times per week for at least three months.

• Up to two-thirds of adults periodically experience some form of insomnia.
• Insomnia is more likely to occur with older age, lower socioeconomic status, and anxiety or depression.
• Therapy, sleep aids, and other approaches can reduce or resolve insomnia symptoms.

What Causes Insomnia?

Trying to find out why you have sleeping problems? Learn about the general causes of insomnia and how it can arise in the elderly, teens, and pregnant women.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that disrupts breathing at night. People with this condition often snore heavily and may wake up choking or gasping for air. There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when tissues in the mouth and throat relax, frequently blocking the upper airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing.

• Obstructive sleep apnea affects at least 30 million Americans, but many cases go undiagnosed.
• People with sleep apnea often experience daytime sleepiness and fatigue, as well as morning headaches and dry mouth.
• Treatment options for sleep apnea include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and, in some cases, surgery.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition marked by abnormal nighttime breathing. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of obstructive sleep apnea.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes people feel excessively tired during the day despite getting an adequate amount of sleep. This can lead to an irrepressible urge to sleep, culminating in “sleep attacks” that typically last for a few minutes. These sleep attacks and other symptoms of narcolepsy are caused by disruptions in the brain’s ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

• Narcolepsy affects roughly 1 in 2,000 people in the United States.
• Sleep attacks can be accompanied by cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone that causes people to slump over as they nod off.
• People with narcolepsy are at a high risk for accident or injury, but treatment with medication and lifestyle changes can help.

Narcolepsy Treatment

Can narcolepsy be cured? Can its symptoms be improved? Learn about the different types of treatment for narcolepsy and their benefits and downsides.

Restless Legs Syndrome

People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) experience tingling or crawling sensations that create an irresistible urge to move their legs. The sensations and urge to move tend to get worse when sitting or lying down, making it difficult to sleep. RLS is linked with pregnancy, Parkinson’s disease, iron deficiency, and other factors, but the cause of most RLS cases is unknown.

• Up to 15% of people have RLS, but only around 2% to 3% experience significant symptoms.
• RLS symptoms are not only triggered by rest, they may also worsen with caffeine intake and use of certain medications.
• Healthy sleep habits, dietary changes, exercise, medical devices, and medications are effective treatment strategies for RLS.

What Causes Restless Sleep?

Are you tossing and turning all night and struggling to wake up refreshed? Read more about restless sleep, what causes it, and steps to take to overcome it.