A List of Sleep Disorders: Signs & Treatments
You might be surprised to learn that your sleep quality can have a large impact on your overall health. Unfortunately, achieving good sleep can be a challenge. There are different types of sleep disorders a person can have, each with their own signs, symptoms and treatment options. In this article we've put together a list of sleep disorders and explained their signs, along with treatment options to explore.
1. Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or get restful sleep. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Waking up frequently during the night.
- Early morning awakenings with inability to return to sleep.
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness.
- Irritability, depression or anxiety.
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering.
Treatment options for insomnia include the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). A non-medication treatment that helps people improve their sleep by changing their thoughts and behaviors. It's an evidence-based psychotherapy that's considered the most effective treatment for insomnia.
- Medications. Short-term use of sleep aids like zolpidem or eszopiclone, under a doctor’s supervision.
- Lifestyle changes. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and screens before bed and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
2. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often causing poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Loud snoring.
- Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Morning headaches.
- Difficulty concentrating.
Treatment options for sleep apnea include the following:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). A machine that keeps airways open during sleep.
- Oral appliances. Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw and tongue.
- Surgery. Procedures to remove or shrink tissue blocking the airway.
- Lifestyle changes. Weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sleeping on one’s side.
3. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless leg syndrome is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually due to uncomfortable sensations, and is often worse at night. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Unpleasant sensations in the legs, such as tingling, crawling or itching.
- An uncontrollable urge to move your legs.
- Temporary relief with movement.
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Daytime fatigue and irritability.
Treatment options can include:
- Medications. Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole) or anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin).
- Lifestyle adjustments. Regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and establishing a bedtime routine.
- Iron supplements. If iron deficiency is contributing to symptoms.
4. Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep. Signs and symptoms can include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after adequate nighttime sleep.
- Sudden loss of muscle tone, often triggered by strong emotions.
- Sleep paralysis, which can be understood as temporary inability to move or speak upon waking or falling asleep.
- Hallucinations while falling asleep or waking up.
- Fragmented nighttime sleep.
Treatment options can include:
- Medications. Stimulants (e.g., modafinil, armodafinil) to promote wakefulness, and sodium oxybate for cataplexy and disrupted nighttime sleep.
- Lifestyle modifications. Scheduled naps, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding heavy meals or alcohol before bed.
- Behavioral therapy. Support groups and counseling to manage the emotional and social challenges of narcolepsy.
5. Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Circadian rhythm disorders are conditions where a person's internal body clock is out of sync with the natural day-night cycle, affecting sleep timing and quality. Signs and symptoms can include:
- Difficulty falling asleep or waking up at desired times.
- Feeling out of sync with social or work schedules.
- Daytime sleepiness or insomnia.
- Fatigue, difficulty concentrating or irritability.
Treatment options can include:
- Light therapy. Exposure to bright light at specific times to reset the body’s internal clock.
- Melatonin supplements. Taken at appropriate times to help regulate sleep-wake cycles.
- Behavioral adjustments. Gradual shifts in sleep timing to align with desired schedules.
- Chronotherapy. A structured method to progressively delay or advance sleep times.
6. Parasomnias
Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders involving abnormal behaviors, movements or experiences that occur during sleep, such as sleepwalking or night terrors. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Unusual behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking, sleep talking or night terrors.
- Difficulty waking during an episode.
- Potential for injury due to unaware movements.
- Sleep disruptions for the affected person or their bed partner.
Treatment options can include:
- Behavioral strategies. Ensuring a safe sleep environment to prevent injuries.
- Medications. Benzodiazepines or antidepressants in severe cases.
- Stress management. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques or therapy.
- Sleep hygiene. Establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine.
7. Sleep-Related Movement Disorders
Sleep-related movement disorders are conditions that involve repetitive movements during sleep or when falling asleep, often disrupting rest and sleep quality. Common signs and symptoms can include:
- Repetitive movements during sleep, such as teeth grinding (bruxism) or periodic limb movements.
- Disrupted sleep for the affected person or their partner.
- Jaw pain or dental issues in cases of bruxism.
Treatment options may involve:
- Mouthguards. Custom-fitted devices to protect teeth from grinding.
- Medications. Muscle relaxants or medications for periodic limb movement disorder.
- Lifestyle changes. Stress management and avoiding stimulants before bed.
Final Notes
Sleep disorders can significantly impact physical and mental health, but effective treatments are available. Through a combination of behavioral strategies, lifestyle changes and medicine, managing your sleep disorder and is possible.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. Prioritizing sleep is an essential step toward overall well-being and health.
Keep reading to learn how to choose a Medicare plan.