Sleep Disorders & Conditions
Evidence-based guides to the most common sleep disorders. Understand symptoms, causes, diagnostic processes, and treatment options recommended by sleep medicine specialists.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Sleep disorders require professional diagnosis. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, consult a board-certified sleep medicine physician.
Sleep Apnea
Affects 22 million Americans
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. It affects 22 million Americans and is linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes when untreated.
Key Symptoms:
Insomnia
Affects 10-15% of adults
Chronic insomnia affects 10-15% of adults and involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. CBT-I is the recommended first-line treatment.
Key Symptoms:
Narcolepsy
Affects 1 in 2,000 people
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder causing overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden sleep attacks. It affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people.
Key Symptoms:
Restless Legs
Affects Up to 10% of population
RLS causes an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, especially at rest or bedtime. It affects up to 10% of the population and can significantly disrupt sleep.
Key Symptoms:
When to Seek Professional Help
Many people live with undiagnosed sleep disorders for years, assuming their symptoms are normal or simply part of aging. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that 80% of moderate-to-severe sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed.
You should consult a sleep specialist if you experience persistent symptoms lasting more than a month, if your sleep problems affect daily functioning, or if a bed partner observes concerning behaviors during your sleep such as loud snoring with breathing pauses, unusual movements, or frequent awakenings.