Sleep Disorders

There are several sleep disorders, the most common includes:

• Bruxism, which is involuntarily grinding or clenching of the teeth while sleeping.
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is the inability to awaken and fall asleep at socially acceptable times but no problem with sleep maintenance, a disorder of circadian rhythms. Other such disorders are advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS) and Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome (Non-24), both much less common than DSPS.
• Hypopnea syndrome is an abnormally shallow breathing or slow respiratory rate while sleeping.
• Narcolepsy is the condition of falling asleep spontaneously and unwillingly at inappropriate times.
• Night terror, Pavor nocturnus, sleep terror disorder are variations of abrupt awakening from sleep with behavior consistent with terror.
• Parasomnias include a variety of disruptive sleep-related events.
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is the sudden involuntary movement of arms and/or legs during sleep, for example kicking the legs. Also known as nocturnal myoclonus. See also Hypnic jerk, which is not a disorder.
• Rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD) involves acting out violent or dramatic dreams while in REM sleep.
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is the irresistible urge to move legs. RLS sufferers often also have PLMD.
• Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), a situational circadian rhythm sleep disorder
• Obstructive sleep apnea, involves an obstruction of the airway during sleep, causing lack of sufficient deep sleep; often accompanied by snoring. Central sleep apnea is less common.
• Sleep paralysis is characterized by temporary paralysis of the body shortly before or after sleep. Sleep paralysis may be accompanied by visual, auditory or tactile hallucinations. Not a disorder unless severe.
• Sleepwalking or somnambulism is engaging in activities that are normally associated with wakefulness (such as eating or dressing), which may include walking, without the conscious knowledge of the subject.