Sleep Disorder

A sleep disorder is any interruption of your sleep patterns. Sleep disorders can cause physical, mental and emotional problems.

If you have some form of a sleep disorder, you are not alone - about 40 million Americans suffer from sleep problems every year! Most adults need at least 8 hours of sleep nightly to feel rested.

Getting enough sleep is critical to our well being, both mentally and physically. Not getting enough sleep for a long time can cause health problems. For example, it can make problems like diabetes and high blood pressure worse.

Common sleep disorders

Bruxism: This is the involuntarily grinding of your teeth while sleeping.
Learn More about Bruxism...

Insomnia:Not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep at night, waking up earlier than usual, or daytime fatigue.
Learn More about Insomnia...

Narcolepsy: The condition of falling asleep spontaneously and unwillingly.
Learn More about Narcolepsy...

Parasomnias (Abnormal Arousals): In some people, the walking, talking, and other body functions normally suppressed during sleep emerge during certain sleep stages.
Learn More about Parasomnias (Abnormal Arousals)...

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Some people describe it as a creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensation.
Learn More about RLS...

Sleep Apnea: The obstruction of the airway during sleep.
Learn More about Sleep Apnea...

Snoring: Loud noisy breathing patterns while sleeping, sometimes accompanying sleep apnea.
It is caused by vibrating in the throat. Some people can make changes that will stop snoring.

These include:

Losing weight
Cutting down on smoking and alcohol
Sleeping on your side instead of on your back

I am SO Sleepy. Do I have a sleep disorder?

Sleep Disorder? Insomnia? RLS?

Do You Have A Sleep Disorder?

Look over this list of common signs of a sleep disorder, and talk to your doctor if you have any of them:

It takes you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep at night.
You wake up often during the night and then have trouble falling back to sleep again.
You wake up too early in the morning.
You spend 7 or 8 hours or more sleep at night but often don't feel well rested.
You are sleepy during the day and fall asleep within 5 minutes if you have a chance to nap, or you fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day.
Your bed partner claims you snore loudly, snort, gasp, or make choking sounds while you sleep, or your partner notices your breathing stops for short periods.
You have creeping, tingling, or crawling feelings in your legs that are relieved by moving or massaging them, especially in the evening and when you try to fall asleep.
You have vivid, dreamlike experiences while falling asleep or dozing.
You have episodes of sudden muscle weakness when you are angry, fearful, or when you laugh.
You feel like you can't move when you first wake up.
Your bed partner tells you that your legs or arms jerk often during sleep.
You regularly need to use stimulants to stay awake during the day.

Also keep in mind that, although children can show some of these same signs of a sleep disorder, they often don't show signs of excessive daytime sleepiness.
Instead, they may seem overactive and have difficulty focusing and concentrating. They also may have problems in school.

Happiness Comes When You Can Look At Yourself And Like What You See...

IAmSoSleepy.com Site Map

Common Sleep Disorders (Home)
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Dealing With Jetlag
Insomnia
Narcolepsy
Parasomnias (Abnormal Arousals)
Restless Legs Syndrome
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Myths
Tips For Good Sleep

Note: All information on IAmSoSleepy.com is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.