Sleep disorders

Definition Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders marked by unusual actions, activities, or physiological events that occur during sleep or sleep-wake transitions. Parasomnias are divided according to the sleep phase in which the symptoms occur, either rapid eye movement (REM) or non-REM (NREM). Symptoms may include simple or complex …

Definition Nightmare disorder is a sleep disorder in which frequent disturbing dreams interfere with a person’s ability to function well during the day or cause emotional distress. Nightmares typically occur during a phase of sleep called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This phase usually occurs relatively late in the sleep …

Definition Jet lag is a sleep disorder caused by rapid travel across time zones (jet, or airplane, rather than car or train travel). The medical terms for jet lag are desynchronosis or circadian dysrhythmia. Humans have an internal clock, or circadian rhythm, that has evolved in response to living on …

Delayed sleep phase disorder – Definition Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) belongs to a group of sleep disorders known as circadian rhythm sleep disorders whereby individuals experience a chronic pattern of sleep disturbance due to changes or misalignment in the circadian timing of their sleep, relative to their social and …

Definition Sleepwalking, also called somnambulism, a behavioral disorder of sleep in which a person sits up and performs various motor actions, such as standing, walking about, talking, eating, screaming, dressing, going to the bathroom, or even leaving the house. The episode usually ends with the sleepwalker’s returning to sleep, with …

Orthopnea definition Orthopnea is the shortness of breath that happens while a person lying flat. The shortness of breath is followed by a tightness feeling in the chest and the feeling is as if he or she is not able to get enough oxygen for proper breathing. This occurs usually …

Definition Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. You may still feel tired when you wake up. Insomnia can sap not only …

Definition Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a sleep related respiratory condition, leading to repeated temporary cessations of breathing because of a narrowing or closure of the upper airway during sleep. Core symptoms of OSA include excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, and witnessed apnoea or hypopnoea (blockages or partial blockages of the …