Sleep disturbances refer to any conditions that interfere with normal sleep patterns and habits. Sleep is a vital necessity, so any disruption can have serious effects on physical and mental health. Some common sleep disturbances include:
- Insomnia: A condition where one has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia can stem from psychological stress or medical conditions, side effects of medications, caffeine intake, or changes in sleep routine or environment. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently throughout the night, or feeling unrested in the morning. Chronic insomnia may require treatment from a doctor.
- Sleep apnea: A potentially serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts through the night. The most common form is called obstructive sleep apnea, resulting from collapsed or blocked airways. Sleep apnea leads to fragmented, low-quality sleep and daytime drowsiness. Loud snoring and gasping during sleep are common symptoms. If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of other serious medical conditions.
- Restless legs syndrome: Characterized by uncomfortable, tingling sensations in the legs, often described as "creepy crawly" feelings. Symptoms occur during periods of rest or inactivity and improve with movement. RLS often leads to difficulty falling asleep and may cause excessive daytime drowsiness. It can stem from an underlying medical condition, such as iron deficiency.
- Narcolepsy: A chronic neurological disorder where normal sleep-wake cycles are disrupted. People with narcolepsy experience excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness, often falling asleep suddenly during ordinary activities. Other symptoms include cataplexy (loss of muscle control after emotions like laughter), sleep paralysis, and vivid hallucinations while falling asleep or waking up. Narcolepsy begins in childhood or adolescence in most cases.