Sleep disorders

A sleep disorder, or somnipathy, is a medical disorder that disrupts an individual's sleep patterns and quality. This can cause serious health issues and affect physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Polysomnography and actigraphy are tests commonly ordered for diagnosing sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders are classified by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders into insomnia disorders, sleep-related breathing disorders (such as obstructive sleep apnea), central disorders of hypersomnolence (such as narcolepsy), circadian rhythm sleep disorders, parasomnias, and sleep-related movement disorders. When a person struggles to fall or stay asleep without an obvious cause, it is referred to as insomnia, which is the most common sleep disorder. Other sleep disorders include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness at inappropriate times), restless legs syndrome, jet lag disorder, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, sleepwalking, and night terrors (also known as sleep terrors).
Sleep disruptions can be caused by various issues, including teeth grinding (bruxism). Managing sleep disturbances that are secondary to mental, medical, or substance abuse disorders should focus on addressing the underlying condition. Sleep disorders are common in both children and adults. However, there is a significant lack of awareness about sleep disorders in children, with many cases remaining unidentified. Several common factors involved in the onset of a sleep disorder include increased medication use, age-related changes in circadian rhythms, environmental changes, lifestyle changes, existing physiological problems, and stress. Among the elderly, the risk of developing certain sleep conditions is especially high. These include sleep-disordered breathing, periodic limb movements, restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behavior disorder, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disturbances.