Understanding Sleep Disorders

A good night's sleep is important for good health, but certain conditions can keep you from getting the sleep you need.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes common sleep disorders and their characteristics:

• Insomnia, which involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early.
• Narcolepsy, which involves extreme sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness during the day, or suddenly falling asleep during the day.
• Restless legs syndrome, which involves an uncomfortable feeling of "creeping" in the legs. This may be accompanied by aches and pains in the legs.
• Sleep apnea, often characterized by snoring, involves interrupted sleep from sudden gasps or snorts. The condition may be dangerous since it can interrupt regular breathing.