8 Common (And Terrible) Sleep Disorders

From insomnia to sleep terrors, here are the most common impediments to nightly rest.

8 Common (And Terrible) Sleep Disorders
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“Good night, sleep tight—don’t let the bedbugs bite.” Has a crueler phrase ever been spoken? Not only does this bedtime wish assume that your bed is infested with parasitic insects (who will listen to your anti-biting argument) but it seems to take a good night’s rest for granted. The harsh reality is that few adults sleep tight. The National Sleep Foundation’s most recent Sleep Index study revealed that 35% of adults rated their sleep as “poor” or “fair,” and 25% reported that they did not wake up feeling refreshed at least once during the previous seven days. The CDC has even declared insufficient sleep a national health epidemic.



1. Insomnia

Treatment: Cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medication are often prescribed.

2. Sleep Apnea

Causes: A complete or partial blockage of the throat.

3. Restless Leg Syndrome


4. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Treatment: Medication is often advised.

5. Narcolepsy

Symptoms: While people with narcolepsy can suddenly fall asleep at the most inopportune moments, most spend their days in a weird middle ground of sleep. “They don’t have a differentiation between wide awake and sleeping,” says Neubauer. Jenn Coleman, an administrative assistant in DC with narcolepsy, laments that she is unable to stay awake during even the most stimulating environments, like Vegas trips and concerts. Those with narcolepsy can also suffer from cataplexy, a condition that leads to fainting-like episodes brought on by emotional reactions to anything from a song to a joke.
Treatment: Medication is often advised.
Occurrence: Less than 200,000 adults are diagnosed per year.


6. Sleepwalking

Symptoms: Walking while sleeping. Other signs are difficulty waking and abusing Danishes in the middle of the night. “One night I woke up standing in the kitchen over a mangled box of apple Danish,” explains Todd Schultz, a 34-year-old nurse and frequent sleepwalker. “Apparently I got out of bed, walked to the bathroom and grabbed my toothbrush, and then brought it to the kitchen and used it as a fork to eat the Danish.”

7. Sleep Terrors


8. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Causes: Most experts blame excessive stress and anxiety.
Occurrence: About 45 million Americans.