Published on: 6/12/2025
What are the most common sleep disorders and how are they diagnosed?
Common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome, diagnosed through medical history, sleep studies, and sometimes questionnaires.
Explanation
Sleep disorders can affect how well you sleep and feel during the day. Some of the most common sleep disorders are:
Insomnia: This is when you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. It is often diagnosed by discussing your sleep habits and any stress or medical issues with a doctor.
Sleep Apnea: This is when breathing stops and starts during sleep. It is often diagnosed with a sleep study called a polysomnogram, which measures your breathing and other body functions while you sleep.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): This is when you feel like you have to move your legs, especially at night. It is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history.
Doctors may use sleep diaries, questionnaires, and sometimes special tests to help diagnose these conditions. Understanding these disorders can help you or someone you know get the right help for better sleep.
(References)
- K Pavlova M, & Latreille V. (2019). Sleep Disorders. The American journal of medicine, 30292731.
- Holder S, & Narula NS. (2022). Common Sleep Disorders in Adults: Diagnosis and .... American family physician, 35426627.
- Sateia MJ. (2014). International classification of sleep disorders-third edition. Chest, 25367475.
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