Types of Sleep Disorders

Over 70 different types of sleep disorders are recognized by the medical community. These sleep disorders vary in symptoms, severity, causes and more. About 40 million people in the United States suffer from a chronic sleep disorder, and about 20 million more suffer from occasional sleep problems and disorders.
 
 
Sleep disorders are generally put into one of these three categories:
  • disturbed sleep
  • excessive sleep
  • lack of sleep.
Lack of sleep, which is most commonly known as insomnia, is the most common type of sleep disorder.
 
Most sleep disorders are easily treated once they are recognized and diagnosed, but some people don’t even realize they have a sleep disorder. A number of people are alerted to sleep disorders by a spouse or significant other.
 
Each type of sleep disorder can be caused by different things and can cause different symptoms to a sleeper. Sleep disorders can affect how long it takes for people to fall asleep, when people fall asleep, how long people sleep and the quality of people’s sleep.
 
In this section, we’ll discuss all types of sleep disorders. We’ll provide information on symptoms, causes, complications, treatment options and more for different types of sleep disorders as well.

Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start. This can cause discomfort to both the sufferer and a significant other, who may be disturbed by the loud snoring that accompanies sleep apnea.
 
There are three different types of sleep apnea:
  • central sleep apnea
  • complex sleep apnea (combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea)
  • obstructive sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea involves relaxation of the throat muscles, while obstructive sleep apnea involves a lack of brain signals that control breathing.
 
Treatment options for sleep apnea will vary based on a number of factors, including type of apnea and condition of the patient. Older adults and men are far more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.

Insomnia

Anyone can experience insomnia every once in awhile, but many people suffer frequently from insomnia. This is referred to as chronic insomnia.
 
Chronic insomnia, one of the most common sleep disorders, can be caused by a number of different factors. Caffeine, alcohol, stress and heartburn are just a few common causes of insomnia.
 
While many sufferers do not seek help for their insomnia because they don’t view the condition as serious, insomnia can affect energy levels, mood, concentration, immune system and even overall health.
 
Seeing a doctor for a diagnosis is the first step to treating insomnia. Medications, dietary changes and even changes in daily habits can help treat insomnia.

Sleep and Depression

Many people do not realize that sleep and depression are linked. One of the signs of depression is insomnia, also known as lack of sleep or inability to sleep.
 
Insomnia can also play a role in the development of depression. Medication, sleep techniques and certain types of therapy can help those who have problems with sleep and depression.
 
Resources
 
Mayo Clinic (2007). Insomnia. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/insomnia/DS00187.
 
Mayo Clinic (2006). Sleep Apnea. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-apnea/DS00148.
 
MedicineNet (2005). Sleep Disorders: Sleep and Depression. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from the MedicineNet Web site: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?
articlekey=47548.
 
Neurology Channel (2000). Sleep Disorders. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from the Neurology Channel Web site: http://www.neurologychannel.com/sleepdisorders/.