Many people don't recognize sleep disorders as a major problem so they try to take over the counter sleep medicine to do the trick. Sleep disorders are serious and will not be remedied by over the counter medicine.

If you toss and turn each night before you are finally able to fall asleep, you are not alone. Altogether, approximately 60 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders. Forty million suffer from chronic sleep disorders, while another 20 million suffer from occasional, milder sleep irregularities.

Distinguishing The Types Of Sleep Disorders

There are three distinct categories that sleep conditions are typically categorized by. These categories are:

* lack of sleep,

* disturbed sleep

* excessive sleep.

Each category describes the amount of good rest the person affected gets in relation to how much they need. The average adult needs six to nine hours of sleep a night. I have found that the amount of sleep required depends on the individual and what amount of rest makes them feel and function their best every day.

The first category of sleep disorders, lack of sleep, is also commonly known as insomnia. It is not uncommon to experience insomnia occasionally; however, if it occurs often, then it may be a sign of a chronic sleep disorder. Failing to get the proper amount of sleep can disrupt daily life in many ways. Many people who suffer from insomnia worry during the day about not being able to fall asleep, which can contribute to the problem.

There are many consequences of insomnia. Lack of quality rest is known to impact judgment, memory, hand-eye coordination, well-being, and reaction-time. Additionally, sleep deprivation can damage the immune system.

Disturbed sleep is the second classification of sleep disorders, and it describes the disruption of normal rest. The most common type of sleep disorder classified in this category is obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused either by a problem with the windpipe or a neurological disorder, and it results in loud snoring and blocked airways. This sleep disorder can cause a stroke.

Other types of sleep disorders that can be categorized as "disturbed sleep" include Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder. Both are genetic disorders that cause involuntary movement in the arms and legs throughout the night.

Excessive Sleep

Finally, sleep disorders can be classified in the category "excessive sleep." This is also known as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy causes patients to have sleep attacks, lasting for as little as a few minutes to as long as half an hour.

Complications of narcolepsy include cataplexy and hypnagogic hallucinations. Cataplexy is weakness or paralysis of the muscles, and hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid dreams that occur during the stage in between being awake and being asleep.

If you suffer from any type of sleep disorder, you should consult with your doctor to determine what form of treatment would be best for you. Inquire about natural treatments as there are natural remedies for sleep disorders as well as prescription medication.

Doctors can determine whether you need medication or not for your sleep disorder. They can also recommend discussion groups that you can turn to for support from others who suffer from sleep disorders.