Sleep disorders

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
Sleep disorders, also known as somnipathy, refer to a range of conditions that affect the regular sleep patterns of both humans and animals. They can have profound impacts on a person's daily life, influencing their mental and emotional well-being. This article delves into the nature of sleep disorders, their causes, and their potential effects on psychological health.

What is a Sleep Disorder?[edit | edit source]

A sleep disorder or somnipathy is a condition that disrupts the normal sleep-wake cycle of an individual. These disorders can range from mild disturbances to severe conditions that significantly impede daily function.

Common sleep disorders[edit | edit source]

The most common sleep disorders include:

Broad classifications of sleep disorders[edit | edit source]

Common causes of sleep disorders[edit | edit source]

Changes in life style, such as shift work change (SWC), can contribute to sleep disorders. Other problems that can affect sleep:

  • Back problems
  • Environmental noise
  • Neck problems
  • Sciatica
  • Incontinence
  • Various drugs - Many drugs can affect the ratio of the various stages of sleep, thus affecting the overall quality of sleep. Poor sleep can lead to accumulation of Sleep debt.

A sleep diary can be used to help diagnose, and measure improvements in sleep disorders. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is another useful diagnostic tool. According to Dr. William Dement, of the Stanford Sleep Center, anyone who snores and has daytime drowsiness should be evaluated for sleep disorders.

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD