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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 most everyone recognizes how badly they may feel after poor night's sleep, 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 insufficient sleep (lack of adequate sleep), snoring, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disorders, including shift work disorder and jet lag. 

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 how you feel.

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Last Reviewed: Sep 20, 2005

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