{"id":20491,"date":"2023-05-11T05:10:12","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T10:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20491"},"modified":"2026-08-14T12:37:51","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T17:37:51","slug":"types-of-sleep-disorders-symptoms-and-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/types-of-sleep-disorders-symptoms-and-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Sleep Disorders, Symptoms and Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Some <\/span>50 to 70 million Americans have ongoing sleep disorders<\/span><\/a> \u2014 and while each sleep disorder is unique, many share similar symptoms and treatment options. Some of the most common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and sleep-related movement disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only a qualified healthcare provider can <\/span>properly diagnose a sleep disorder<\/span><\/a>. Speak to your clinician if you\u2019re experiencing symptoms of poor sleep, including difficulty falling asleep or maintaining that sleep. It\u2019s important to properly understand the potential causes, and types, of sleep disorders. This helps you seek appropriate medical attention and develop a better grasp of your symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Insomnia<\/h2>\n

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that often makes it more difficult to get a full night of quality sleep. It will cause irritability during the day and serious challenges getting to sleep at night.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiety and depression have <\/span>long been known to cause insomnia<\/span><\/a>. Certain medications can also induce insomnia. It\u2019s sometimes the result of sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatments for insomnia<\/span><\/a> will vary, depending on the cause and the severity of your symptoms. Lifestyle changes like reducing your caffeine intake, doing yoga and following a sleep schedule can sometimes reduce symptoms or their severity. Others find success in online programs or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).<\/span><\/p>\n

Sleep apnea<\/h2>\n

Sleep apnea<\/span><\/a> occurs when muscles in the back of your throat cannot open all the way during sleep. This compromised airway will interrupt your breathing patterns. These pauses can last a few seconds or entire minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two main types of sleep apnea<\/span><\/a> can compromise sleep quality. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when relaxed throat muscles, or throat tissue buildup, block the throat. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common, and occurs when your breathing cadence starts, stops and starts again during sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment for sleep apnea takes several forms:<\/span><\/p>\n