Introduction

Major Sleep Disorders

Conclusion

References

Abstract

Sleep disorders are frequent and can have serious consequences on patients’ health and quality of life. While some sleep disorders are more challenging to treat, most can be easily managed with adequate interventions. We review the main diagnostic features of 6 major sleep disorders (insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, sleep-disordered breathing, hypersomnia/narcolepsy, parasomnias, and restless legs syndrome/periodic limb movement disorder) to aid medical practitioners in screening and treating sleep disorders as part of clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION

Sleep is a universal function of living species, comprising one-third of human life. Poor or insufficient sleep has been associated with a wide variety of dysfunction in most body systems, including endocrine,1 metabolic,2 higher cortical function,3 and neurological disorders. Disorders of sleep can manifest as complaints of either insufficient sleep, excessive amount of perceived sleep, or abnormal movements during sleep. This review article focuses on the most commonly seen sleep disorders in neurological practice.