Disturbed Sleep: Causes and Treatments
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5, sleep-wake disorders encompass 10 conditions manifested by disturbed sleep, distress, and impairment in daytime functioning.1 Sleep disorders include insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and breathing-related disorders (obstructive sleep apnea). Excessive daytime sleepiness, or sudden somnolence, is a symptom that can occur with several sleep disorders. Excessive daytime sleepiness may include mild sleepiness, unrecognized episodes of “micro-sleep” or uncontrolled sleep attacks that result in falling asleep while in conversation, reading or watching television, or even while driving. Excessive daytime sleepiness may be caused by not getting enough hours of sleep or…