With so many different sleep disorders impacting our ability to get a good night’s kip, we thought another sleep glossary was in order!
Read on to find out more about the many different types of sleep problems, issues and complaints according to eve.
bruxism
Grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep. Bruxism can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and damaged teeth, but you might not even know you’re doing it.
circadian rhythm disorders
Circadian rhythm disorders mess with your internal body clock, making it hard to fall asleep and wake up at the “normal” times. Jet lag and shift work disorder are a couple of the more common examples of different types of circadian rhythm disorders.
hypersomnia
Excessive sleepiness during the day, despite getting enough sleep at night. It’s different from just being a bit tired; it can make you fall asleep at inappropriate times.
insomnia
Struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep. Insomnia can be either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).
narcolepsy
A disorder that makes you suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times. People with narcolepsy may also experience muscle weakness or sleep paralysis.
night terrors
A sleep disorder that mostly affects children. Night terrors cause us to wake up suddenly in a panic, often screaming or crying. But we don’t fully wake up or remember it happening the next morning.
restless legs syndrome (RLS)
A strong urge to move your legs, usually because of uncomfortable sensations. Restless Legs Syndrome often kicks in (no pun intended) in the evening or at night, can result in it being hard to sleep.
rem sleep behaviour disorder (RBD)
A disorder where you physically act out your dreams, often in a violent or intense way. RBD can be dangerous for both you and anyone sharing the bed.
sleep apnoea
Sometimes also spelt sleep apnea, this is a condition where your breathing stops and starts while you’re sleeping. Sounds pretty scary, right? The most common type of sleep apnoea is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). This is where the airway becomes blocked, usually due to relaxed throat muscles.
sleep hygiene
Not a disorder, but super important! Sleep hygiene refers to good habits and practices that can help you get a better night’s kip, like keeping a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, and avoiding caffeine late in the day.
sleep talking (somniloquy)
Talking in your sleep without being aware of it. This can typically range from mumbling to full (albeit one-sided) conversations, though it’s usually harmless.
sleep paralysis
A temporary inability to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up. It can be pretty scary as you’re conscious but unable to move, and with sleep paralysis, it sometimes feels like something is pressing down on you.
sleepwalking (somnambulism)
Getting up and walking around while you’re still asleep. You might not remember sleepwalking the next day, but it can lead to some strange and sometimes dangerous situations.
sleep disorders glossary: a final word
In this glossary, we’ve covered the most common sleep disorders. If you're experiencing sleep issues right now, it's always a good idea to speak to your GP for proper guidance and tailored advice to help get you back on track. Until next time, eve sleep.
