If you toss and turn each night before you are finally able to fall asleep, you are not alone.  Altogether, approximately 60 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders.  Forty million suffer from chronic sleep disorders, while another 20 million suffer from occasional, milder sleep disorders.

Distinguishing The Types Of Sleep Disorders

There are three distinct categories that sleep disorders are typically categorized by.  These categories are: lack of sleep, disturbed sleep, and excessive sleep.  Each category describes the amount of sleep the person affected gets in relation to how much they need.  The average adult needs nine hours of sleep.

Lack Of Sleep

The first category of sleep disorders, lack of sleep, is also commonly known as insomnia.  It is not uncommon to experience insomnia occasionally; however, if it occurs often, then it may be a sign of chronic insomnia.  Failing to get the proper amount of sleep can disrupt daily life in many ways.  Many people who suffer from chronic insomnia worry during the day about not being able to fall asleep, which can contribute to the problem.

There are many consequences of insomnia.  Lack of sleep is known to impact judgment, memory, hand-eye coordination, well-being, and reaction-time.  Additionally, sleep deprivation can damage the immune system.

Disturbed Sleep

Disturbed sleep is the second classification of sleep disorders, and it describes the disruption of normal sleep.  The most common type of disorder classified in this category is obstructive sleep apnea.  Obstructive sleep apnea is caused either by a problem with the windpipe or a neurological disorder, and it results in loud snoring and blocked airways.  Eventually, this sleep disorder can cause a stroke.

Other types of sleep disorders that can be categorized as “disturbed sleep” include Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder.  Both are genetic disorders that cause involuntary movement in the arms and legs during sleep.

Excessive Sleep

Finally, sleep disorders can be classified in the category “excessive sleep.”  This is also known as narcolepsy.  Narcolepsy causes patients to have sleep attacks, lasting for as little as a few minutes to as long as half an hour!

Complications of narcolepsy include cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations.  Cataplexy is weakness or paralysis of the muscles, and hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid dreams that occur during the stage in between being awake and being asleep.

Getting Help And Support

If you suffer from any type of sleep affliction, you should consult with your doctor to determine what form of treatment would be best for you.  Doctors have the ability to prescribe medications that can help you live a normal life.  They can also recommend discussion groups that you can turn to for support from others who suffer from sleep disorders.

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