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Types of Sleep Disorders

Doctors have identified more than 70 sleep disorders. The most common are:
  • Insomnia – The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia can result from stress, jet lag, diet or many other factors. Forty percent of all women and 30 percent of all men experience some form of insomnia.

  • Narcolepsy – Affects an estimated 250,000 Americans. People with narcolepsy suffer frequent "sleep attacks" throughout the day, even if they had a normal amount of nighttime sleep.

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea – A disorder of interrupted breathing during sleep, frequently due to obstructive tissue in the upper respiratory system. Loud, habitual snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. The National Sleep Foundation says that an estimated 18 millions Americans have sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Learn more about obstructive sleep apnea.

  • Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) – Involves periodic involuntary movements or jerks during sleep, usually occurring at 30-second intervals. About 20 percent of the people with insomnia attribute their inability to sleep to PLMD.

  • Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) – Is caused by a prickling or tingling sensation in the legs and feet, which patients try to relieve by moving their legs (during sleep). RLS often is found in middle-aged or older adults. Thirty percent of all cases can be traced to heredity.

More Information

Sleep Disorders Center Main Page

Types of Sleep Disorders

What is Sleep Apnea?

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