Types of Sleep Disorders

Almost everyone has trouble sleeping occasionally. For approximately one in three Americans, sleep problems are especially bothersome and impact how they feel or function during the day.

The American Sleep Disorders Association now recognizes more than 80 sleep disorders, including the following commonly seen problems:

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 5 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, resulting in symptoms such as daytime fatigue, irritability, poor memory, loss of productivity, and decreased enjoyment of family and social life.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

RLS is a condition that produces an intense, often irresistible urge to move the legs because of unpleasant feelings in them. This sensation most often occurs in the evening, especially when attempting to relax or sleep. Movement can provide temporary relief, but the impulses may consistently return. Fatigue caused by disrupted sleep may develop that eventually impacts normal functioning and quality of life.

Narcolepsy

This sleep disorder involves persistent daytime sleepiness despite sufficient sleep during the night. “Sleep attacks” may occur at very inappropriate times, interfering with work, school or other important activities.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder  (PLMD)

PLMD is characterized by repetitive limb movements that occur during sleep. These episodes of limb movement disrupt sleep, causing insomnia or daytime sleepiness. Periodic limb movement symptoms are only considered PLMD when insomnia or daytime sleepiness cannot be explained by any other problem.