Sleeping Disorders
The Silent Epidemic

There are more than 80 types of sleeping disorders and data suggests that approximately one-third of people have suffered from a sleep problem at one or more times during their lifetime.

Sleep disorders affect individuals of all ages and may be brought on by a variety of reasons that range from physical illness to emotional factors to environmental influences.

While most people experience difficulties with sleeping from time-to-time, around 15 percent of the population suffers from a chronic sleep disorder, which can have dangerous implications.

Long-term sleep issues are linked to a number of serious physical and mental health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression, and frequent anxiety.

Poor academic performance, drug dependency, relationships problems, car accidents (and fatalities), and even suicide have been linked to chronic sleep problems.

Additionally, billions of dollars are spent to treat sleep disorders each year and millions are lost in workplace productivity because of lack of sleep. Following are the most common sleep disorders. Click on the links for information on each condition, including symptoms and treatment options.

In addition to the above, shift-work disorders, sleep walking, bedwetting, nightmares, and night terrors are relatively common sleep issues. Sleep conditions affect people of all ages and all backgrounds. If you suffer from sleep deprivation, it's important to seek help right away.

Talk with your health care provider about your sleep issues. He or she will help determine a diagnosis and recommend a treatment strategy to help you return to healthy, restful sleep on a consistent basis.

The good news is there are a variety of therapies and medication options available that effectively treat sleep problems.

Given that a chronic sleep disorder can rob you of almost everything that makes life enjoyable (and even an intermittent problem can wreak havoc), it is essential to make sleep a priority. It is also important to form healthy sleep habits that facilitate a good nights rest.

Click here for tips on achieving a restful night's sleep a consistent basis: how to sleep better.

Facts About Sleeping Disorders and Insomnia

What is Sleep Apnea

What is Narcolepsy?

Restless Leg Syndrome

Sleep Terror Disorder

Bed Wetting Disorder

Sleep Aids