List of Sleep Disorders

Dyssomnias are primary disorders in which the patient suffers from changes in the quantity, quality, or timing.

Dyssomnias can be one of three types.

-Intrinsic irregularities are caused by biological factors, for example apnea, restless legs or periodic limb movement, narcolepsy. Medication is available for most of these complaints.

-Extrinsic types are hygiene or environmental, as in allergies, alcohol or drug use, altitude insomnia etc. These are usually treated with a combination of behavioural changes and medication.

-Circadian rhythm disturbances include shift work or jet lag or any body clock confusion. This can be treated by good resting habits, bright light therapy or melatonin.

Parasomnias are a category characterized by unpleasant muscular, verbal, or experienced phenomena during repose, specific stages of it, or between slumber and wakefulness (somnambulaism, restless legs syndrome).

Parasomnias include:

Nightmares,

Night terrors,

Sleepwalking (somnambulism),

-REM sleep behaviour problems,

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)

Medical (asthma or heart disease) or psychiatric rest disturbances (depression, anxiety etc).

Psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks may be the underlying cause for possibly half of all cases of insomnia. They are treatable with therapy and/or medication.

The numerous medical problems affecting good rest include asthma, heart disease, peptic ulcer disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and rheumatism.

Chronic pain such as fibromyalgia or rheumatism may also impair rest.

Neurological diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, strokes, headache syndromes, and neuromuscular problems are linked to disturbances of repose.

Good slumber practices are important in any rest irregularity, such as regular hours, regular exercise, avoiding over-use of stimulants and comfortable and a quiet resting environment.

See sleep apnea sleep tips.

This list of sleep disorders is just a pointer for you to follow for further research.

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