About Sleep disorders

This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.

What is a sleep disorder?

This is a medical disorder of the sleep patterns. It is also known as somnipathy. Severe sleep disorders can interfere with the normal mental, physical, emotional and social functioning of a person.

Common sleep disorders include:

• Insomnia disorder (primary insomnia): This is a chronic difficulty in falling asleep and/or maintaining sleep
• Catathrenia: This is nocturnal groaning during prolonged exhalation.
• Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD): This is the inability to wake up or fall asleep at socially acceptable times.
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS): This is an irresistible urge to move legs.
• Idiopathic hypersomnia: This is a primary, neurologic cause of long-sleeping
• Bruxism: This is a condition where a person involuntarily grinds or clenches the teeth while sleeping.
• Kleine–Levin syndrome: This is a rare disorder characterized by cognitive or mood changes or persistent episodic hypersomnia
• Narcolepsy: This is a condition where you fall asleep spontaneously but unwillingly at inappropriate times.
• Hypopnea syndrome: This is the abnormally slow respiratory rate or shallow breathing while sleeping.
• Sleepwalking: This is the engaging in activities normally associated with wakefulness that may include walking, without the conscious knowledge of doing so
• Night terror: This is a sleep terror disorder whereby you abruptly awaken from sleep with behavior consistent with terror.
• Nocturia: This is a frequent need to get up and urinate at night.
• Sleep paralysis: This is characterized by temporary paralysis of the body shortly before or after sleep.
• Parasomnias: This is the disruptive sleep-related events which involve inappropriate actions during sleep such as night terrors, sleepwalking, and catathrenia.
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD): This is the sudden involuntary movement of arms and/or legs during sleep such as kicking the legs.
• Sleep apnea: This is the obstruction of the airway during sleep, which causes lack of sufficient deep sleep and is often accompanied by snoring.
• Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD): This is the acting out of violent or dramatic dreams while in REM sleep, sometimes injuring bed partner or self
• Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD): This is a situational circadian rhythm sleep disorder
• Somniphobia: This is a fear or dread of falling asleep.

• Dyssomnias: These include a wide category of sleep disorders characterized by either insomnia or hypersomnia. 
• Parasomnias: This is a category of sleep disorders which involve abnormal as well as unnatural movements, emotions, behaviors, perceptions and dreams with regard to sleep.
• Circadian rhythm sleep disorders: This includes delayed sleep phase disorder, non-24-hour sleep–wake disorder and advanced sleep phase disorder.
• Sleeping sickness: This is a parasitic disease transmitted by the tsetse fly.
• Medical or psychiatric conditions that may produce sleep disorders such as mood disorders, alcoholism, and psychosis.

• Difficulty staying awake while sitting still, reading or watching television
• Feeling irritable or sleepy during the day
• Difficulty concentrating
• Having trouble controlling emotions
• Falling asleep or feeling fatigued when driving
• Reacting slowly
• Requiring caffeinated beverages to keep awake
• Feeling like taking a nap almost everyday
• What is the treatment for sleep disorders?
• Behavioral and psychotherapeutic treatment
• Rehabilitation and management
• Medication
• Other somatic treatment
  

Learn more about Sleep disorders

• Sleep disorders on Help Guide
• Sleep disorders on Sleep Foundation
• Sleep disorders on Wikipedia