Do You Have a Sleep Disorder?

Below are some of the most common sleep disorders. Medications and behavioral approaches are available to help people with these disorders.

• Insomnia is difficulty falling and staying asleep, as well as daytime problems associated with sleepiness. It is the most commonly reported sleep complaint. Insomnia often accompanies stress or another health condition.

• Frequent loud snoring at night and daytime sleepiness are the main symptoms of sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea stop breathing for brief periods while asleep and then choke and gasp for breath.

• People with narcolepsy cannot regulate their sleep/wake cycles. As a result, they may fall asleep uncontrollably--any place, any time. These "sleep attacks" are often accompanied by daytime sleepiness, episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis, and disrupted nighttime sleep.

• In restless legs syndrome, a person has tingling sensations in the legs while sitting or lying still. They constantly stretch or move their legs to try to relieve these sensations, which interfere with sleep.

- Source: National Institute on Aging, with credit also to the National Sleep Foundation