Insomnia is a condition of difficulty falling or staying asleep and/or non-restorative sleep that affects up to 30% of adults in a given year. There are many possible causes of insomnia and, when untreated, insomnia often takes on a life of its own. Regardless of the cause(s), there are numerous strategies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological, that can help one sleep well and confidently.

Snoring is the vibration of the tissues of the airway as they relax and partially block normal airflow. In addition to disturbing sleep, snoring can put a strain on relationships and can be a sign of a sleep apnea, a more serious breathing disorder that requires medical treatment.

Sleep Apnea occurs when the tissues of the upper airway collapse and the airway is blocked. As a result, breathing stops and oxygen levels drop. These breathing pauses can last for several seconds to minutes, are usually terminated by a loud gasp or snort and can interrupt sleep hundreds of times through the night. Symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime sleepiness, low energy, weight gain, morning headaches, heartburn, dry mouth, difficulties with attention and concentration, memory loss and low mood. Hypertension can also be a sign of sleep apnea.

Restless Leg Syndrome is a condition in which one experiences unpleasant leg sensations while at rest in the evening. These sensations are typically relieved by movement and those affected often have difficulty falling or staying asleep. People with Restless Leg syndrome can also have periodic limb movements in sleep, which can then disturb sleep quality.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder is a condition in which legs move or jerk repeatedly during sleep, at time causing micro-arousals that can result in non-restorative sleep and sleepiness.

Parasomnias (Sleepwalking, sleep eating, night terrors) are characterized by abnormal and abrupt behaviors and/or distressing emotions and perceptions from sleep with little or no memory of the episode the following morning. These episodes typically occur out of the deepest stages of sleep and are thought to result from an over-activation of the nervous system. Stress and sleep deprivation can increase the frequency of episodes in those who are already predisposed to the condition.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder is another type of parasomnia that occurs from dream (REM) sleep. In this condition, there is a breakdown in the normal paralysis that occurs while dreaming. As a result, the person begins “acting out” their dreams and can cause serious injury to themselves or their bed-partner.

Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder in which one experiences severe and sometimes debilitating daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms can include a sudden loss of muscle control when emotional and muscle paralysis and/or visual, tactile or auditory hallucinations upon falling asleep or waking up.

Central Nervous System Hypersomnia is a condition of excessive sleepiness that can result in a long sleep need, difficulty arising in the morning, daytime sleepiness, tiredness and difficulties with focus and concentration despite dedicating what should be “enough” time to sleep. Naps are generally not restorative. Symptoms usually begin as a teenager or early 20’s and are often misconstrued as laziness and apathy.