Sleep disorders are widespread among adults and have significant negative consequences, including increased risks of traffic accidents, reduced life quality, and higher mortality rates. Individuals experiencing sleep disorders can be broadly categorized into those who struggle to fall asleep, those with unusual behaviors or movements during sleep, and those who suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness.
Insomnia, the most frequently encountered sleep disorder, is characterized by difficulties in initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or both, leading to daytime impairment. Sleep Disorder Diagnosis for insomnia primarily relies on patient history. Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy, sometimes combined with medication.
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder involves heightened muscle tone during REM sleep, causing patients to physically act out their dreams, potentially resulting in self-harm or injury to bed partners. Sleep disorder diagnosis for REM sleep behavior disorder is achieved through polysomnography. Management strategies include melatonin or clonazepam.
Restless legs syndrome is defined by an irresistible urge to move the legs, which intensifies during periods of rest. Depending on the severity, sleep disorder diagnosis of restless legs syndrome is based on patient-reported symptoms, and treatment options include gabapentin or dopamine agonists.
Narcolepsy is marked by excessive daytime sleepiness and may also include cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. Sleep disorder diagnosis for narcolepsy is initially suggested by a detailed patient history and can be confirmed through polysomnography followed by a multiple sleep latency test the next day. Treatment plans for narcolepsy involve lifestyle adjustments and medications such as stimulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, sodium oxybate, and pitolisant.
Obstructive sleep apnea should be considered in patients who present with heavy snoring and witnessed apneas. Sleep disorder diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnea is typically confirmed using overnight polysomnography. Treatment commonly includes positive airway pressure therapy during sleep, along with recommendations for weight loss.
