Sleep disorders: An overview

Abstract

This chapter introduces the reader to the different classifications of sleep disorders. This chapter comprises nine general sections of main sleep disorders encountered in the general population: insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, hypersomnias, periodic limb movement disorder, restless leg syndrome, REM-related parasomnias, non-REM-related parasomnias, and circadian rhythm disorders. Each section provides a general definition/description of the disorder, diagnosis pointers, main consequences associated with the disorder as well as some treatment options. When available, prevalence and incidence data are provided. Two short clinical vignettes illustrate main complaints of insomnia and apnea. These vignettes also report some daily consequences of the unrefreshing and disturbed sleep experienced by the sleepers. Although most sleep disorders are diagnosed and treated, the present chapter also highlights that some of them nonetheless may go unnoticed to the suffering individuals but not to his/her bed partner/significant other. Furthermore, daily consequences associated with sleep disorders are various, and a thorough examination of all side effects shall be taken into consideration during evaluation and when treatment is initiated. Sleep medicine is a growing field and the common goal of all clinicians and researchers is by far to alleviate sleep disorders' sometimes disastrous consequences and increase the quality of life of suffering individuals. © 2008 Humana Press, Totowa, NJ.