According to the National Institutes of Health, at www.nlm.nih.gov, sleep disorder is a term used for any condition that disrupts normal sleep-wake patterns. Sleep disorders are a 24-hour condition that affects the person all day, not just at night. These disorders can be caused by many things including food allergies, or could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Undiagnosed sleep disorders could affect your quality of life, making you very tired. Also important to note is that sleep disorders are fairly common among children. If you are not sure about the signs and symptoms of these disorders, a professional opinion may be necessary. There are many kinds of tests but the most common professional sleep disorder test involves a sleep study, in which an individual may be asked to stay in a clinic or hospital for a number of hours while his or her sleep patterns – including brainwaves, heart rate and breathing – are checked. Sleep disorder clinics use various techniques to help people restore normal sleeping patterns.

The most common kinds of sleep disorders include:

Insomnia

This disorder is characterized by a significant lack of high-quality sleep. Insomnia may be caused by several things, including stress, an underlying medical or psychiatric condition, a change in time zones or sleep schedule, or even just poor sleeping habits. According to the NIH, insomnia almost always affects job performance and well-being the next day. This condition affects about 40 percent of women and 30 percent of men.

Sleep Apnea

People with sleep apnea have breathing interruptions during sleep. Sleep apnea is a common disorder that can be serious and should be evaluated by a doctor. The condition is characterized by breathing that stops or gets very shallow. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly. If you have sleep apnea it is important to get treatment, as it can put you at a higher risk for car crashes, work-related accidents and a variety of other medical problems.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) causes a person to have a powerful urge to move his or her legs. In most cases, your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Those with this condition describe their legs as having a crawling, tingling, or burning sensation. Treatment of RLS is directed toward any underlying illness, if known. Medications are available for RLS and lifestyle changes may also help to relieve some symptoms.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that brings on daytime “sleep attacks.” The disorder is caused by the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally. People with narcolepsy feel urges to sleep at various times throughout the day, and they will sometimes fall asleep for periods lasting from a few seconds to several minutes.

Other

Nightmares, night terrors, sleepwalking, sleep talking, wetting the bed and grinding your teeth are also characterized as sleep problems. These are called parasomnias.

Source: For more information on sleep disorders, visit the National Institutes of Health, at http://www.nlm.nih.gov.