Sleep problems refer to problems that result in not getting enough sleep at night or feeling too sleepy during the day. Not getting enough sleep at night could be the result of not spending enough time in bed to get adequate sleep (sleep deprivation) or could be the result of having difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia). (See insomnia for a discussion of the difference.) Daytime sleepiness is generally a result of either insufficient sleep at night (because of a sleep problem or not getting adequate sleep) or taking medicines that make you sleepy during the day. Being excessively sleepy during the day can also be the symptom of a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy.

Sleep-related problems are common and affect 50-70 million Americans, and perhaps far more. Sleep problems are associated with a large number of diseases including obesity, diabetes, stroke, and others. Not getting enough sleep at night, whether because of a sleep problem or because of sleep deprivation, leads to automobile accidents and reduced work productivity. To find out more about sleep problems and consequences of poor sleep, follow the links below. Alternatively, explore topics in the area of Healthy Sleep.

Click on any of the Sleep Problems topics below to learn more:

• Consequences of poor sleep: includes increased risk for accidents, disease, and social problems
• Insomnia: reduced ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or achieve quality refreshing sleep, despite adequate sleep opportunity; alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can all exacerbate it
• Narcolepsy: fragmented sleep during the night, uncontrollable daytime sleeping, vivid hallucinations and paralysis with sleep onset, and for some, cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone often brought on by stress or emotion)
• Nightmares and night terrors: disturbing dreams during sleep; can decrease sleep quality and duration
• REM behavior disorder: intense movement during dreaming (kicking, punching, yelling, etc.)
• Restless legs syndrome: restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are two different but related disorders generally involving leg movement
• Sleep apnea: episodes when breathing stops during sleep
• Sleepwalking: involves walking and/or other complicated physical behaviors while asleep

Excessive daytime sleepiness, a symptom of poor sleep quantity and/or quality, can be evaluated using a numerical scoring system called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (reproduced at http://www.umm.edu/sleep/epworth_sleep.htm).