A good night’s sleep is essential for your body and mind. But for millions of Americans, restful sleep is harder to come by due to sleep disorders. These conditions affect how you sleep, when you sleep, and how much rest you actually get. Left untreated, they can impact your overall health and quality of life, especially as you age.
What are sleep disorders? Learn about common types, symptoms, and when to seek help for conditions that impact your sleep and overall health.
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Common Types of Sleep Disorders
1. Insomnia
This is the most widely reported sleep disorder. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. It can be short-term, often triggered by stress, or chronic, lasting for months or longer.
2. Sleep Apnea
This disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of apnea during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the airway becomes blocked. It often leads to loud snoring and daytime fatigue.
3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
RLS causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, often because of uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms typically worsen at night and can make it difficult to fall asleep.
4. Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that disrupts the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may experience sudden episodes of sleep during the day, along with fragmented nighttime sleep.
Reference: merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fragmented
5. Circadian Rhythm Disorders
These conditions affect your internal body clock, which controls your sleep and wake cycles. Shift work, jet lag, or irregular sleep patterns can disrupt sleep and make it harder to fall asleep or wake up at the appropriate times.
When to Seek Help
If you consistently wake up tired, fall asleep during the day, or struggle to stay asleep, it may be time to consult a medical professional. Sleep disorders often go undiagnosed, especially among older adults who may attribute poor sleep to aging. However, many sleep disorders are treatable with appropriate support.