Getting quality sleep and enough of it is essential for mental and physical health. If you’ve ever had a bad night’s sleep, then you know how much it can affect your entire day. If this becomes a chronic problem, it could mean you’re dealing with a sleep disorder you should talk to your doctor about and seek treatment for.
There are many different types of sleep disorders, which can lead to additional symptoms and issues like increased depression and anxiety, difficulty focusing and even diabetes or heart disease. Below, we outline six common sleep disorders, including narcolepsy and sleep apnea, to give you an idea of what you should look for.
What is a sleep disorder?
A sleep disorder is any condition that regularly disrupts your normal sleep pattern. Whether you struggle with waking frequently or with tossing and turning while you watch the clock, if it’s frequently affecting your ability to get a good night’s rest, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder.
People who have a sleep disorder don’t always notice it immediately. Sometimes, you won’t know until someone at home points out your strange nighttime behavior or the effects of poor sleep begin to catch up with you. That’s because sleep disorders can take many forms — there are actually more than 80 different types. The most common sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome
- Parasomnia
- Circadian rhythm disorders
Sleep disorder symptoms
Symptoms of sleep disorders vary based on the type and severity of the problem. At night, you may experience difficulty falling asleep, or you may find you frequently wake up. If you regularly need more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, it might be a sign of a sleep disorder. Other symptoms that show up at night may be more noticeable to your partner. For instance, you might kick your legs, or you might snore loudly while also making gasping or choking sounds.
Many of the symptoms of sleep disorders show up during the day, though. You might find it difficult to stay awake at work or in the car, or you may be unable to concentrate on regular tasks. Lack of quality sleep can make you feel irritable or fatigued, and you may even experience muscle weakness.
In the long run, symptoms can become more severe. Poor sleep or lack of sleep has been correlated with chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, and sleep disorders can be a sign of other neurological issues, such as Parkinson’s Disease. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor.
6 common sleep disorders
