The Four Types of Sleep Disorders

See the four types of sleep disorders and learn how to improve your quality of sleep.

1. Lack of sleep

Those who suffer from insomnia frequently feel sleepy and struggle to fall or remain asleep. Based on the most frequent problems, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that between 33 and 50 percent of adults experience some kind of insomnia. Stress frequently causes an increase in insomnia, but if symptoms persist for three months or more, they may becoming chronic. The issue can be made worse by bad sleeping habits, changes in the surroundings, drugs, and co-occurring medical disorders like asthma or sleep apnea. For insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment. It involves coaching a patient on their particular sleep barriers and cycles. Additional drugs may also be prescribed by providers.

2. Snoring and apnea

Although annoying, snoring can also be harmful. Sleep apnea affects more than 20 million people in the US. Oxygen levels and sleep quality are impacted by the breathing and choking interruptions that occur frequently—at least five times each hour. It is associated with hypertension, heart disease, and stroke in the absence of treatment. Airflow is facilitated by continuous positive airway pressure therapy, or CPAP, the gold standard of care. In order to prevent airway collapse, alternative methods involve moving the tongue and lower jaw forward using a mandibular advancement device and nerve stimulator. Surgery to remove extra tissue from the throat and nose that obstructs breathing may also be beneficial for patients.

3. Circadian rhythm disorders

“Lark” and “night owl” tendencies are innate; they result from sleep-wake phase problems that either create an advanced riser (early riser) or a delayed sleeper (late sleeper). Both have internal clocks, or circadian rhythms, that are distinct from the external cycle of day and night.

4. Movement disorders

Sitting motionless at night seems nearly impossible for those who suffer from restless leg syndrome in their legs and feet. These unpleasant or painful cravings can be brought on by certain medical conditions and drugs, such as kidney disease, iron deficiency, neuropathy, pregnancy, anxiety, and antidepressants. These cravings affect 7% to 10% of the population.