Explore the five most common sleep disorders including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Learn their symptoms and effects on daily life, plus tips for managing these conditions for better sleep health.

Top 5 Common Sleep Disorders and Their Signs

Aiming for 7–8 hours of restful sleep daily is essential for good health. Sleep disruptions can lead to insufficient or excessive sleep, affecting overall wellness. Here are the five most common sleep-related issues:

Sleep Apnea: Characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep, often with loud snoring. It causes brief awakenings unnoticed by the sleeper, leading to daytime tiredness. It has two primary forms:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Caused by throat muscle relaxation blocking the airway, frequently seen in obese individuals or those with throat infections, putting stress on breathing.

Central Sleep Apnea: Results from brain control problems impacting breathing, linked to conditions like heart failure, strokes, or high-altitude sleeping.

Sleep Difficulties (Somnia): These involve trouble sleeping and include patterns like:

Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often triggered by stress, health issues, jet lag, or caffeine consumption.

Hypersomnia: Excessive sleepiness that hampers alertness during the day.

Parasomnias: Unusual nighttime behaviors such as nightmares, sleepwalking, or night terrors.

Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder causing involuntary episodes of sleep during the day, regardless of activity or conversation.

Involuntary Limb Movements: Movements like:

Restless Legs Syndrome: Discomfort and a compulsion to move the legs due to postural or body aches.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder: Rhythmic limb movements during sleep.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: The absence of muscle paralysis during REM sleep results in acting out dreams.