Definition of Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders involve any difficulties related to sleeping, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at inappropriate times, excessive total sleep time, or abnormal behaviors associated with sleep.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
More than 100 different disorders of sleeping and waking have been identified. They can be grouped in four main categories:
Symptoms
The symptoms vary and depend on the specific sleep disorder.
Signs and tests
Tests vary and depend on the specific sleep disorder. A sleep study (polysomnography) may be done.
Treatment
Treatments vary and depend on the specific sleep disorder.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome varies with the type of disorder. Some disorders may go away without treatment.
Review
Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ . Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 8/12/2009
