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/ Sleep Disorders

What they are, their causes and symptoms, and how people with sleep disorders can get relief

Updated May 16, 2022
Headshot of Danielle Pacheco, Staff Writer

Written by

Danielle Pacheco, Staff Writer
Headshot of Danielle Pacheco, Staff Writer

Danielle Pacheco

Staff Writer

Danielle writes in-depth articles about sleep solutions and holds a psychology degree from the University of British Columbia.

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Dr. Anis Rehman

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Anis Rehman, Internal Medicine Physician
Dr. Anis Rehman

Dr. Anis Rehman

Internal Medicine Physician

Dr. Rehman, M.D., is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine as well as Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism.

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Our team of writers, editors, and medical experts rigorously evaluates each article to ensure the information is accurate and exclusively cites reputable sources. Learn More

Sleep Foundation

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At Sleep Foundation, we personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. This hands-on approach allows us to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations for mattresses, pillows, sheets, and other sleep essentials.

Guidelines for our testing methodology are as follows:

  • We only cite reputable sources when researching our guides and articles. These include peer-reviewed journals, government reports, academic and medical associations, and interviews with credentialed medical experts and practitioners.
  • All scientific data and information must be backed up by at least one reputable source. Each guide and article includes a comprehensive bibliography with full citations and links to the original sources.
  • Some guides and articles feature links to other relevant Sleep Foundation pages. These internal links are intended to improve ease of navigation across the site, and are never used as original sources for scientific data or information.
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Sleep disorders are conditions that affect sleep quality, timing, or duration and impact a person’s ability to properly function while they are awake. These disorders can undermine quality of life and contribute to other medical problems. 

The most widely referenced source for classifying sleep disorders is the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD). The ICSD lists 60 specific sleep disorders, each with its own set of triggers, symptoms, and physical and emotional effects. Most sleep disorders can be characterized by one or more of the following four signs:

  • Trouble falling or remaining asleep
  • Difficulty staying awake during the day
  • Sleep-wake cycle imbalances that interfere with a healthy sleep schedule
  • Unusual behaviors during sleep

Any of these signs could indicate a sleep disorder. People who experience issues with sleep or daytime energy should consult with their doctor.

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Sleep Disorders

Popular Topics:
Insomnia Sleep Apnea Narcolepsy Restless Leg Syndrome Parasomnias REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
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Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by an ongoing difficulty to fall or remain asleep despite wanting to sleep and having enough time to sleep. People with insomnia also experience daytime sleepiness and may have difficulty functioning while they are awake. Chronic insomnia is diagnosed when someone has these symptoms at least three times per week for at least three months. 

  • Up to two-thirds of adults periodically experience some form of insomnia. 
  • Insomnia is more likely to occur with older age, lower socioeconomic status, and anxiety or depression. 
  • Therapy, sleep aids, and other approaches can reduce or resolve insomnia symptoms.
Learn More
woman-sleeping-insomnia

What Causes Insomnia?

Trying to find out why you have sleeping problems? Learn about the general causes of insomnia and how it can arise in the elderly, teens, and pregnant women.

Early-Morning Shiftwork Affects Overnight Blood Pressure, Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Insomnia Symptoms of Insomnia

Want to learn more about the symptoms of insomnia? Our guide covers short-term & chronic insomnia symptoms, including sleep issues and daytime impairments.

Treatments for Insomnia
Insomnia Treatments for Insomnia

Want to learn more about how to treat insomnia? Our insomnia treatment guide covers medications, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and more.

Woman with Insomnia lying in bed looking at clock
Insomnia What Are the Different Types of Insomnia?

Not all insomnia is the same. Learn about short-term and chronic types of insomnia along with other terms used to describe this serious sleeping problem.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that disrupts breathing at night. People with this condition often snore heavily and may wake up choking or gasping for air. There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when tissues in the mouth and throat relax, frequently blocking the upper airway. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea affects at least 30 million Americans, but many cases go undiagnosed.
  • People with sleep apnea often experience daytime sleepiness and fatigue, as well as morning headaches and dry mouth.
  • Treatment options for sleep apnea include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and, in some cases, surgery.
Learn More
Woman sleeping bed wearing a CPAP mask

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition marked by abnormal nighttime breathing. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep Apnea Sleep Apnea Treatment

Though CPAP therapy is the most common sleep apnea treatment, other options exist. We look at PAP devices, surgeries, and lifestyle changes for sleep apnea.

Stock image of a woman sleeping in bed
Sleep Apnea How Weight Affects Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a relatively common disorder in which people experience disrupted breathing while they are sleeping.

Cute young man sleeping on bed
Sleep Apnea Central Sleep Apnea

In central sleep apnea, a lack of signals from the brain interrupts breathing during sleep. Learn more about this uncommon condition.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that makes people feel excessively tired during the day despite getting an adequate amount of sleep. This can lead to an irrepressible urge to sleep, culminating in “sleep attacks” that typically last for a few minutes. These sleep attacks and other symptoms of narcolepsy are caused by disruptions in the brain’s ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

  • Narcolepsy affects roughly 1 in 2,000 people in the United States.
  • Sleep attacks can be accompanied by cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle tone that causes people to slump over as they nod off.
  • People with narcolepsy are at a high risk for accident or injury, but treatment with medication and lifestyle changes can help.
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man falling asleep at his desk

Narcolepsy Treatment

Can narcolepsy be cured? Can its symptoms be improved? Learn about the different types of treatment for narcolepsy and their benefits and downsides.

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Narcolepsy Diagnosing Narcolepsy

Concerned that you have symptoms of narcolepsy? Learn about the tests and criteria used to diagnose narcolepsy and how to discuss them with your doctor.

sleepy guy rubbing his eyes in the car
Narcolepsy Narcolepsy Symptoms

Our guide to the symptoms of narcolepsy explores the causes and impact of each symptom of this complex, chronic sleep disorder.

Hypersomnia vs Narcolepsy
Hypersomnia Hypersomnia vs Narcolepsy

Hypersomnia and narcolepsy both make people excessively sleepy during the day. Learn more about these disorders and what makes them different.

Restless Legs Syndrome

People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) experience tingling or crawling sensations that create an irresistible urge to move their legs. The sensations and urge to move tend to get worse when sitting or lying down, making it difficult to sleep. RLS is linked with pregnancy, Parkinson’s disease, iron deficiency, and other factors, but the cause of most RLS cases is unknown. 

  • Up to 15% of people have RLS, but only around 2% to 3% experience significant symptoms.
  • RLS symptoms are not only triggered by rest, they may also worsen with caffeine intake and use of certain medications. 
  • Healthy sleep habits, dietary changes, exercise, medical devices, and medications are effective treatment strategies for RLS.
Learn More
Young woman lying in bed with hands over face

What Causes Restless Sleep?

Are you tossing and turning all night and struggling to wake up refreshed? Read more about restless sleep, what causes it, and steps to take to overcome it.

doctor and patient
Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosing Restless Legs Syndrome

Diagnosing restless legs syndrome can be complex because there is no single test to confirm it. Learn how doctors determine whether someone has this condition.

woman in bed, restless legs
Restless Legs Syndrome Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Symptoms

Learn about common restless legs syndrome symptoms and how to know if you might have this condition.

Person's legs showing outside sheets
Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Learn about different restless legs syndrome treatments to minimize uncomfortable symptoms and restore healthy sleep.

Parasomnias

Parasomnias are a group of unusual sleep behaviors that can occur before falling asleep, during sleep, or in the transition between sleep and wakefulness. Parasomnias are most common in children, but they affect adults as well. They include sleepwalking, bedwetting, night terrors, and more unique ones like exploding head syndrome. 

  • Parasomnias occur in up to 20% of children.
  • Parasomnias are categorized based on when in a person’s sleep cycle they arise. 
  • Managing parasomnias typically involves maintaining the safety of the sleeper and any bed partners and promoting sufficient healthy sleep.
Learn More
Sleep Paralysis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Sleep Paralysis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Have you experienced episodes of sleep paralysis? We explain symptoms, causes, and treatments of sleep paralysis.

Man waking up and holding head in frustration
Parasomnias Sexsomnia: What to Know About Sleep Sex

Learn more about sexsomnia, a parasomnia that can cause involuntary sexual behaviors during sleep. It has a wide range of causes, triggers, and treatments.

Sleepwalking: What is Somnambulism?
Parasomnias Sleepwalking: What is Somnambulism?

Trying to find out more about sleepwalking? Our guide explains the key details to know about the causes, symptoms, dangers, and treatment of sleepwalking.

Woman holding head in confusion
Parasomnias Exploding Head Syndrome

While painless and non-threatening, exploding head syndrome can cause anxiety and sleep problems. Learn more about this sleep disorder.

Excessive Sleepiness

It is normal to feel sleepy after a night of sleep loss. But excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a medical term that describes extreme grogginess occurring almost every day for at least three months. EDS makes it difficult or impossible to stay awake during the day. A wide range of medical and psychological conditions can lead to EDS, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, hypothyroidism, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. 

  • EDS is believed to occur in up to 25% of the population.
  • EDS is not a sleep disorder itself but rather a symptom of many sleep disorders and other health conditions. 
  • To determine the cause of EDS, a doctor may recommend a sleep study or other tests.
Learn More
woman looking tired, holding a cup of coffee

Causes of Excessive Sleepiness

Learn what may be causing your excessive sleepiness. It could be an underlying cause like a sleep disorder, psychiatric illness, or lifestyle factor.

A woman is yawning while trying to work on a laptop
Physical Health and Sleep Medical and Brain Conditions That Cause Excessive Sleepiness

Are you constantly sleepy? Our guide explains the potential causes of excessive sleepiness including sleep deprivation and other medical conditions.

workers talking to their manager
Excessive Sleepiness Excessive Sleepiness and Workplace Accidents

Excessive sleepiness can lead to workplace accidents, injuries, and deaths. Learn how sleepiness impacts safety in the workplace and other aspects of working life.

Stock photo of an exhausted woman lying asleep in bed
Excessive Sleepiness Dysania

Do you find it hard to get out of bed or have a strong desire to stay in bed? We discuss the causes, effects, and management of dysania.

Shift Work Disorder

Shift work disorder develops in some people whose jobs require them to work late at night or early in the morning. Sleeping during the day and working at night can cause misalignment between a person’s daily schedule and the circadian rhythms that guide their body to feel alert or sleepy in response to light or darkness. People with this condition often feel excessively tired at work and struggle to get enough sleep during their allotted daytime rest period. 

  • At least one-third of shift workers meet the criteria for a shift work disorder diagnosis.
  • People with shift work disorder get, on average, 90 minutes less sleep compared with people who work day shifts. 
  • Treatment for shift work disorder focuses on strategies that encourage alertness while at work and quality sleep between shifts.
Learn More
Female nurse with a mask putting on gloves

Shift Work Disorder Symptoms

Want to learn about shift work sleep disorder symptoms? Our guide also covers risk factors for workers and differences between shift work disorder and insomnia.

man sleeping on couch
Shift Work Disorder Tips for Sleeping During the Day

Do you have trouble sleeping during the day? Our guide explains how to fall asleep in the day and get enough rest for the night ahead.

Team of EMT at night
Shift Work Disorder Treatments for Shift Work Disorder

Shift workers have an arsenal of tactics available to them that may help improve sleep and manage symptoms of shift work disorder.

nurse giving treatment to a patient
Shift Work Disorder Coping Strategies for Shift Work Disorder

People with shift work disorder struggle to get enough sleep and stay alert on the job. Our guide includes expert tips for coping with shift work disorder.

Non 24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder

For most adults, the circadian rhythms that guide the sleep-wake cycle reset approximately every 24 hours. This is why many people start to get sleepy around the same time each night. In contrast, people with non-24-hour sleep wake disorder have circadian rhythms that are either shorter or longer than 24 hours. Affected individuals progressively shift their sleep and wake times one to two hours earlier or later each day. 

  • Non-24-hour sleep wake disorder primarily affects people who are blind and unable to see light.
  • People with this condition cycle through days or weeks of sleeping during the day and days or weeks of sleeping at night. 
  • Non-24-hour sleep wake disorder is one of the six circadian sleep-wake rhythm disorders.
Learn More
man walking through the park with his dog

Living With and Managing Non-24 Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder

Get advice on how to manage non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder in the workplace, at school, or with friends and family.

Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder
Sleep Disorders Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder

Learn about the causes of non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder and who is most likely to suffer from this rare disorder.

doctor speaking to patient
Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder Non-24 Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms of Non-24 Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder include excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia. Learn when to talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

woman speaking to doctor about treatment options
Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder Treatment for Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder

Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder treatment involves establishing a 24-hour circadian rhythm using light therapy, melatonin supplements, and other tactics.

All Sleep Disorders

Abnormal Sleep Behavior Disorders Bruxism Central Sleep Apnea Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders Excessive Sleepiness Hypersomnia Insomnia Narcolepsy Night Terrors Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder Obstructive Sleep Apnea Parasomnias Periodic Limb Movements Disorder Rhythmic Movement Disorder REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) Shift Work Disorder Sleepwalking Sleep Apnea Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders Sleep-Related Movement Disorders Sleep Paralysis
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