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Published on: 7/14/2026

What are common sleep disorders in adults and how can they be treated?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Common sleep disorders in adults include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. Symptoms range from difficulty falling asleep and loud snoring to daytime fatigue and leg discomfort at night. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I), CPAP devices, and medications. Because sleep issues often overlap with other health conditions, identifying the root cause is key to effective treatment. If you're experiencing ongoing sleep problems, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be behind your symptoms and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Important Next Steps

Learn if sleep problems need care todayDiscover likely causes of adult sleep disordersSee if your sleep issues are seriousFind OTC options for sleep symptomsFind a doctor for sleep disordersUnderstand home remedies for sleep troublesFind out what's causing sleep issues

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Explanation

Adults often experience sleep problems like insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. These disorders can make it hard to get a good night's sleep.

Common Sleep Disorders:

  1. Insomnia: Trouble falling or staying asleep. It can be treated with better sleep habits, therapy, or medication.
  2. Sleep Apnea: Breathing stops and starts during sleep. Using a CPAP machine or losing weight can help.
  3. Restless Legs Syndrome: Uncomfortable feelings in the legs that make you want to move them. It can be managed with lifestyle changes or medication.

Treatment Options:

  • Lifestyle Changes: Going to bed at the same time every night, avoiding caffeine, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
  • Medical Treatments: CPAP machines for sleep apnea, medications for insomnia or restless legs syndrome.
  • Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia can help change thoughts and habits around sleep.

If you're experiencing persistent sleep issues and want to understand what might be causing them, try our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights about your symptoms.

(References)

  • Holder S, & Narula NS. (2022). Common Sleep Disorders in Adults: Diagnosis and .... American family physician, 35426627.

  • Jaqua EE, Hanna M, Labib W, Moore C, & Matossian V. (2023). Common Sleep Disorders Affecting Older Adults. The Permanente journal, 36503403.

  • Bloom HG, Ahmed I, Alessi CA, Ancoli-Israel S, Buysse DJ, Kryger MH, et al. (2009). Evidence-based recommendations for the assessment and .... Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 19484833.

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