Sleep Disorder Types

Sleep disorders can come in various forms but are generally categorized as such:

Insomnia

Probably the most commonly known sleep disorder, insomnia is the inability to maintain or initiate sleep. The victim might be able to fall asleep only to wake up a short time later before getting proper rest. Or they simply are not able to fall asleep in the first place at a regular time.

It usually accompanies the symtpom of feeling tired and unrested during the day due to lack of sleep at night. The causes for insomnia can be many including ones’ envrionment, health habits, and psychological state of being. The fact one has problems sleeping can then cause them to ‘learn’ this behavior further complicating the issue.

Restless Legs Syndrome

This ailment also known as RLS manifests itself in a pain or feeling of unease in the patients legs. Dopamine receptors are though to be the blame and is one condition where medication is often the answer for treatment.

Narcolepsy

Narcoleptic behavior consists of an overwhelming feeling of sleepiness during the day. Sometimes triggered by emotional stimulus these ‘sleep attacks’ can arise at odd times such as the victim walking or doing some other activity completely unrelated to the initiation of a restful state.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a result of a lack of proper breathing due to excessive snoring or other issues affecting one’s airways while sleeping. Usually a machine known as a CPAP is used to help regulate the air passages of the patient to help maintain a healthy oxygen intake. Sleep apnea is one of the more dangerous sleep disorders and should be treated carefully.

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