Sleep disorders can be serious and can significantly impact your overall health and your quality of life. The following is a list of the most common types of sleep disorders:

Sleep apnea – Repeated pauses in breathing while sleeping.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea caused by an obstruction in the airway.
• Central sleep apnea occurring when the brain does not send the signals to the muscles to take a breath.

Insomnia – The ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Sleep bruxism – Also called teeth grinding, sleep bruxism is characterizing by tooth grinding or clenching that occurs at night. Bruxism can be mild, or it can be severe causing headaches, jaw problems and dental damage.

Narcolepsy – A syndrome characterized by unexplained sleepiness during the day. Sudden attacks of sleep may occur at any time, even though the person may have had adequate sleep at night. Some people with narcolepsy may also experience cataplexy, a sudden weakening of the muscles.

Restless legs syndrome – Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic neurological disorder. People with RSS experience uncomfortable sensations in their legs. In an effort to relieve these sensations, the person has irresistible urges to move their legs. RLS is considered a sleep disorder because the symptoms usually worsen at night and disrupt sleep.

Sleepwalking – This type of sleep disorder is when a person walks or engages in another activity while seemingly still asleep.

Sleep paralysis – People with this often frightening sleep disorder experience the inability to move their body when falling asleep or upon wakening.

Living with any type of sleep disorder is not easy, but help is available. If you believe that you, or someone you love, has a sleep disorder, find an accredited Houston sleep disorder treatment center by filling out our easy contact form.