Description

There are 100 different types of sleeping and sleep waking disorders, however, they are best described in 4 categories:

• Problems falling and staying asleep (insomnia)
• Problems staying awake (excessive daytime sleepiness)
• Problems sticking to a regular sleep schedule (sleep rhythm problem)
• Unusual behaviors during sleep (sleep-disruptive behaviors)

Causes

Medical or surgical problems, neurological disorders, and psychiatric disorders can all cause sleep disorders.

There are many medical problems that can create sleep disorders including asthma, heart disease, peptic ulcer disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and rheumatic disorders. Any sort of chronic pain may also impair sleep. Neurological disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, strokes, headache syndromes, and neuromuscular disorders are associated with sleep disorders.Psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks may be the underlying cause for approximately half of all cases of insomnia.

Signs & Symptoms

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Frequent awakenings
• Falling asleep in inappropriate places
• Daytime fatigue
• Lack of relief of symptoms after additional sleep
• Sleepiness irritability
• Daytime fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Inability to concentrate
• Early morning awakening
• Impairment of motor skills and cognition
• Insufficient sleep
• Forgetfulness
• Anxiety
• Depression

Who is at Risk?

Overweight, middle–aged men are at risk for sleep apnea. Also people who abuse drugs and alcohol are at risk for sleep disorders.

Treatment

There are a couple of simple things you can change in your lifestyle to help treat your sleep disorder. Reduce your consumption of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Exercise early in the day or up to 6 hours before bed. Minimize stress when possible. Some sleep disorders can be treated with medication or with the help of therapy.