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Sleep Disorders

Overview

We all sleep - up to 1/3 of our lives is spent sleeping! And we all need sleep. We can't survive without it! While everyone recognizes how a poor night's sleep may make them feel, only recently have scientists begun to fully understand the profound impact that sleep and sleep disorders have on our health and well-being. The consequences of sleep-related problems range from simply not feeling well, to increased motor vehicle accidents, to serious effects on blood pressure control as well as increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

Unfortunately, many individuals are not aware that they may suffer from one of the more than 90 recognized sleep disorders. Almost all of the conditions, once diagnosed, can be treated successfully.

If you suffer from poor sleep or believe you may have a sleep disorder, you should discuss your problem with your doctor. Some of the more common sleep disorders include:

Whether or not you have a primary sleep disorder, it's always a good idea to practice the rules of good sleep hygiene, also known as good sleep habits. Simply following these recommendations can improve your sleep and your life.

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This article is a NetWellness exclusive. NetWellness Article

Last Reviewed: Jul 23, 2008

Case Western Reserve University Dennis Auckley, MD
Director, MetroHealth's Center for Sleep Medicine
Associate Professor
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
MetroHealth Medical Center
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Dennis   Auckley, MD

Case Western Reserve University Ziad Shaman, MD
Associate Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program
Diplomate of the ABIM in Sleep Medicine
Assistant Professor
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
MetroHealth Medical Center
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Ziad  Shaman, MD