Types of Sleep Disorders

Most of us have trouble sleeping from time to time, which is not uncommon. However, for one in three Americans, sleeping problems occur so frequently they interfere with how we feel and function during the day.

The American Sleep Disorders Association has identified more than 80 sleep disorders. We can help you find relief from almost all of them, including these common types:

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when you regularly stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. It can be classified as mild, moderate or severe, based on the number of times per hour you stop breathing (apnea) or have slowed breathing (hypopnea). Apnea episodes may occur from five to 50 times an hour.

Insomnia

Insomnia is an inability to sleep well. It’s a common problem, affecting almost everyone at one time or another. A person with insomnia may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, wake up frequently during the night, or wake up earlier than desired the next morning. Poor sleeps results in daytime fatigue, irritability, poor memory, loss of productivity and decreased enjoyment of family and social life.

Narcolepsy

This sleep disorder involves feeling sleepy a lot during the daytime despite getting enough sleep during the night. Bouts of drowsiness may occur at very inappropriate times, interfering with work, school or other important activities.

Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

Restless leg syndrome causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs near sleep time, sometimes described as a “creepy-crawly” feeling. Periodic limb movement disorder causes the arms and legs to move or jerk involuntarily during sleep.