Overview of Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
Many common symptoms may suggest the presence of a sleep disorder. Some of these symptoms, such as fatigue, may also occur with other medical disorders. In addition, each sleep disorder may have specific symptoms unique to it.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Not everyone who snores has a serious sleep disorder, but loud snoring with other symptoms may suggest the presence of sleep apnea. These symptoms may include:
- Loud snoring
- Witnessed cessation of breathing (apnea) while asleep
- Gasping or snorting while asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times (i.e., in meetings or while reading, watching television, talking to someone, or driving)
- Feeling unrefreshed upon awakening
- Difficulties with concentration or memory
- Personality changes or depression
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth and throat upon awakening
- Lethargy
- Restless sleep
- Leg swelling
- Hyperactive behavior in children
Insomnia
Insomnia is generally defined as difficulty in staying or falling asleep. This often results in an inadequate amount of sleep and feeling tired. Individuals with insomnia will often wake up several times and may lie awake for extended periods of time at night. There is often a component of distress about not being able to sleep.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias include many abnormal sleep behaviors, such as: night terrors, sleepwalking, sleep eating, sleep sex, and rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder which may involve the acting out of dreams while asleep.
Night terrors- Common among children, especially boys
- Persistent fear or terror at night that occurs in a semi-conscious state with inability to fully wake up
- Screaming
- Sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Confusion with no memory of the event
- Difficult to console
- Semi-purposeful movements, including walking, while asleep
- Eyes may be open without responsiveness
- Confusion with no memory of the event
