Sleep disorder, also known as somnipathy, a sleep disorder is defined as a medical disorder that disrupts sleep patterns. Some sleep disorders are so severe they can interfere with daily activities and how one functions emotionally, physically, and mentally. There are many issues that can disrupt sleep. Some of these include: teeth grinding, nightmares, bedwetting, sleepwalking, being overweight, and other medical issues.
 

There are approximately 80 different types of sleep disorders affecting 70 million Americans. In order to be considered a sleep disorder, it must be persistent, cause a significant amount of emotional distress, and interfere with socializing or work-related functions.
 

Sleep Disorder Symptoms

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have a sleep disorder:
 

• Snoring

• Not feeling refreshed even after adequate amounts of sleep

• Feeling tired all the time

• Chronic headaches

• Difficulty concentrating or memory issues

• Lack of sex drive

• Rely on caffeine to help keep you awake

• Feeling very tired while driving or falling asleep at the wheel

• People always commenting on how tired you look

• Difficulty controlling your emotions

• Breathing difficulties during sleep or stop breathing during sleep

• You are overweight

• Abnormal body movements as you sleep

 

If you have any of these symptoms, it is highly recommended you have a sleep study done. If you have a sleep disorder and it is not treated, it could pose serious health risks. Some of these health risks include hypertension, stroke, obesity, depression, and diabetes. Not getting enough sleep can also impair your ability to operate motor vehicles, machinery, and other types of equipment that can put you and others in danger.