Sleep Disorders: 11 Types & What to Do

Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, sleepwalking, and narcolepsy, can be caused by changes in brain function, problems with the sleep-wake cycle, breathing difficulties, or movement disorders. These conditions can affect how well a person falls asleep, stays asleep, or remains awake during the day.

There are many types of sleep disorders, and they can develop at any age. However, they are more common in children and older adults.

Sleep disorders should be evaluated and treated because they can seriously affect physical and mental health. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a sleep problem should consult a sleep medicine specialist, who can recommend treatment based on the specific disorder.

Main types

The main types of sleep disorders include:

1. Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder. It can cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking frequently during the night, waking too early, or feeling tired during the day.

This sleep disorder can be caused by stress, depression, hormonal changes, neurological conditions, or the use of certain substances and medications. Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, diuretics, and some antidepressants may interfere with sleep.

Poor sleep habits can also make it harder to sleep. These may include not following a regular sleep schedule, sleeping in a room that is too bright or noisy, eating large meals at night, or drinking energy drinks before bedtime.

What to do: Treatment for insomnia usually begins with improving sleep hygiene and developing habits that promote good-quality sleep. Therapy or relaxation techniques may also be helpful.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), prescription medications approved for insomnia include certain benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine sleep medications, and low-dose doxepin. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe one of these medications for a limited period of time.

2. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea, also known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a breathing disorder in which airflow repeatedly stops for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. These interruptions can prevent a person from getting adequate rest.

People with sleep apnea often feel sleepy during the day. The condition may also cause headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, memory problems, and high blood pressure.

This sleep disorder is more common in men between the ages of 40 and 50 and in people with obesity. It may also be more likely in people who drink alcohol or have structural changes involving the nose, mouth, or jaw.

What to do: Treatment may include using a continuous positive airway pressure device, known as CPAP. The device delivers pressurized air through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep.

Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and avoiding smoking, may also be recommended. In some cases, surgery may be considered to correct airway narrowing or blockage caused by structural abnormalities, or an implantable device may be recommended.

3. Excessive daytime sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a symptom characterized by difficulty staying awake and alert throughout the day. It can reduce performance during everyday activities and increase the risk of accidents while driving or operating equipment.

This sleep problem may be caused by not getting enough sleep, getting poor-quality sleep, or waking too early. It can also occur because of medications that cause drowsiness or conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, or depression.

What to do: Treatment depends on the underlying cause and usually focuses on improving the quality and length of nighttime sleep.

Scheduled daytime naps may be helpful in some situations. When medically appropriate, a doctor may prescribe a wake-promoting medication based on the underlying cause of the sleepiness.

4. Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is a type of parasomnia that causes a person to perform activities while asleep. It occurs when certain areas of the brain become active at inappropriate times during sleep and is more common in children.

A person who sleepwalks may perform complex movements, such as walking or talking. The person may then wake up or return to sleep normally and usually has little or no memory of the episode.

What to do: Treatment is usually not necessary because sleepwalking often becomes less frequent after adolescence.

There is no FDA-approved medication specifically for treating sleepwalking. When episodes are frequent, disruptive, or pose a safety risk, a doctor may evaluate for an underlying condition that could be contributing to them and recommend appropriate treatment.

5. Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs. These sensations usually appear while resting or trying to sleep.

This condition can interfere with sleep and lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

What to do: Treatment may include measures to reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. These may include avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

A doctor may also prescribe dopaminergic medications or gabapentin enacarbil. In some cases, iron supplements may be recommended when testing shows low iron levels. Opioids may be considered only for severe, treatment-resistant cases.

6. Bruxism

Bruxism is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary teeth grinding or clenching. It can cause dental damage, persistent headaches, jaw clicking, and jaw pain.

Bruxism is more common in children but can also occur in adults. It may develop during the day or at night, although it is more common during sleep.

What to do: Treatment is managed by a dentist and may include wearing a device fitted over the teeth to prevent damage. Correcting dental problems, practicing relaxation techniques, and undergoing physical therapy may also be recommended.

7. Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes sudden sleep attacks. A person may fall asleep at any time or place, making it difficult to carry out normal daily activities.

Sleep attacks may occur a few times or several times a day. Each episode may last for several minutes.

What to do: Narcolepsy has no cure, but treatment can help manage its symptoms. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approved treatment options include modafinil, pitolisant, and oxybate medications, depending on whether treatment is aimed at excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, or both.

Lifestyle changes may also help. These include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and taking scheduled naps during the day.

8. Sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is the temporary inability to move or speak immediately after waking up. It occurs when muscle movement remains briefly suppressed after a person becomes conscious.

During an episode, the person remains aware and gradually regains strength and control of the muscles.

People with irregular sleep schedules, jet lag, stress, or anxiety may be more likely to experience sleep paralysis. In some cases, it may also be associated with a psychiatric condition or another sleep disorder.

What to do: Sleep paralysis usually does not require treatment because it is generally harmless and lasts only a few seconds or minutes.

During an episode, the person should remain calm and try to move small muscles, such as the fingers or toes. Frequent or severe episodes should be evaluated by a sleep medicine specialist to identify and treat any underlying condition.

There is no FDA-approved medication specifically for sleep paralysis.

9. Kleine-Levin syndrome

Kleine-Levin syndrome, sometimes called sleeping beauty syndrome, is a rare sleep disorder that causes repeated episodes of hypersomnia. During an episode, a person may suddenly sleep for 12 to 24 hours at a time.

Before or during an episode, the person may appear unusually slow, irritable, or aggressive, especially when their sleep is interrupted.

In addition to excessive sleep, the person may experience changes in behavior or thinking, compulsive eating, or hypersexuality.

What to do: Treatment should be managed by a sleep medicine specialist. There is no FDA-approved medication specifically for Kleine-Levin syndrome. In some cases, a doctor may consider off-label treatment with a mood stabilizer, such as lithium, although evidence is limited. Supportive care or psychotherapy may also be recommended.

10. Idiopathic hypersomnia

Idiopathic hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that causes excessive sleepiness and an uncontrollable need to sleep. It may cause long, unrefreshing naps and significant difficulty waking up.

The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it is considered a neurological sleep disorder.

What to do: Treatment should be recommended by a sleep medicine specialist. It may include behavioral strategies or medication to improve wakefulness.

Low-sodium oxybate is FDA-approved to treat idiopathic hypersomnia in adults.

11. Night terrors

Night terrors are a sleep disorder that is more common in children between the ages of 3 and 7. A child may cry or scream during the night without fully waking up, wet the bed, or get up and run.

Night terrors may be associated with factors such as fever, excessive physical activity, emotional stress, or consuming stimulating foods or beverages, such as coffee.

What to do: A pediatrician should evaluate the child to confirm the diagnosis and provide appropriate guidance.

A doctor may recommend creating a calm, quiet sleeping environment and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine. When another health condition is contributing to the episodes, treatment may be recommended for that specific condition.