Dyssomnia

Dyssomnias are a broad classification of sleeping disorders involving difficulty getting to sleep, remaining asleep, or of excessive sleepiness.

Dyssomnias: Overview

Dyssomnias are a broad classification of sleeping disorders involving difficulty getting to sleep, remaining asleep, or experiencing excessive sleepiness. These primary disorders are characterized by a disturbance in the amount, quality, or timing of sleep. Patients may complain of difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, intermittent wakefulness during the night, early morning awakening, or combinations of any of these. Transient episodes are usually of little significance. Stress, caffeine, physical discomfort, daytime napping, and early bedtimes are common factors. There are over 31 recognized kinds of dyssomnias, which can be grouped into three major categories: intrinsic sleep disorders, extrinsic sleep disorders, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. These disorders can be further divided into subtypes.

Intrinsic Sleep Disorders

Intrinsic sleep disorders originate from within the body and include the following:

• Idiopathic hypersomnia: A chronic neurological disease characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder that causes extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable sleep episodes.
• Periodic limb movement disorder: A sleep disorder characterized by repetitive movements of the limbs during sleep, which can disrupt sleep quality.
• Restless legs syndrome: A condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially when resting or trying to sleep.
• Obstructive sleep apnea: A sleep disorder characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the airway during sleep, causing repeated episodes of stopped or shallow breathing.
• Central sleep apnea syndrome: A disorder in which the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep, resulting in periods of stopped breathing.
• Sleep state misperception: A condition in which individuals perceive their sleep as being significantly worse than it actually is.
• Psychophysiological insomnia: A type of insomnia in which anxiety about sleep and an inability to relax contribute to difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Recurrent hypersomnia: A rare sleep disorder characterized by episodes of excessive sleepiness, often lasting days or weeks.
• Post-traumatic hypersomnia: Excessive daytime sleepiness that occurs after a head injury or other traumatic event.
• Central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome: A rare disorder in which the brain fails to regulate breathing adequately, leading to abnormally slow and shallow breathing during sleep.

Extrinsic Sleep Disorders

Extrinsic sleep disorders are influenced by external factors and include the following 13 disorders:

• Alcohol-dependent sleep disorder: Disrupted sleep patterns caused by the consumption of alcohol.
• Food allergy insomnia: Insomnia resulting from food allergies or sensitivities.
• Inadequate sleep routine: Poor sleep habits, such as an inconsistent sleep schedule or an inappropriate sleep environment, that contribute to sleep difficulties.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders involve disruptions to the body's internal clock, which regulates sleep and wakefulness. These disorders can be either intrinsic or extrinsic and include the following six conditions:

• Advanced sleep phase syndrome: A disorder in which individuals fall asleep and wake up several hours earlier than desired or socially acceptable.
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome: A disorder in which individuals fall asleep and wake up several hours later than desired or socially acceptable.
• Jet lag: A temporary sleep disorder caused by rapid travel across multiple time zones, resulting in misalignment between the body's internal clock and the external environment.
• Shift work sleep disorder: A sleep disorder that affects individuals who work during the night or on rotating shifts, leading to difficulties adjusting to different sleep schedules.

By understanding the various types of dyssomnias and their underlying causes, individuals can seek appropriate treatment and support to improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.

See also

• Somnolence
• Parasomnia

External links

Classification	MeSH: D020920
External resources

Dyssomnia Resources
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