A SLEEP DISORDER is a disturbance of the normal sleep patterns. Sleep disorders can be serious as they may interfere with physical, mental and emotional functioning and well being. In the last few decades a number of sleep disorders have been identified. There are those that involve lack of sleep, such as insomnia, excessive sleep, such as narcolepsy, or disturbed sleep, such as sleep apnea. Other common sleep disorders include the parasomnias, night terrors, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, shift work sleep disorder, sleep paralysis, sleepwalking, snoring syndrome, bed wetting, teeth grinding, and jet lag. Fatigue and excessive daytime sleeping may be problematic as well.

Parasomnias are a frequently reported type of sleep disorder characterized by abnormal changes in behavior, perception, movement, or body functions during sleep, specific stages of sleep, or the transition to sleep. They include night terrors, rhythmic movement disorder, restless leg syndrome, sleep sex, teeth grinding, REM behavior disorder, sleep talking and other unusual sleep behaviors. Stress or depression may be associated with parasomnias.

It may surprise you to learn that one of the most common types of sleep disorders is sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which the person undertakes activities while in a sleeplike state or still asleep. Sleep walking can affect people of all ages, and includes such activities as eating, dressing, and even driving cars or operating machinery.

Sleep apnea is characterized by disruption of breathing patterns during sleep. There are two basic forms of sleep apnea. The central form of sleep apnea occurs when the brain is not sending the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. The more common obstructive form of sleep apnea occurs when there is an actual physical blockage to the airflow. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of the two. Sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences, including death.

Jet lag and shift work related disorders are very common sleep disorders resulting from disruption of the body's normal circadian rhythm as a result of travel or work schedules.

These days, with proper evaluation, treatment and educational programs, most sleep related problems can be effectively managed for a healthier you!