Sleeping disorders are medical conditions that affect the quality, timing, or duration of sleep, leading to daytime distress, fatigue, and reduced overall health. While occasional sleep problems are common, persistent sleep disturbances may indicate an underlying disorder that needs medical attention.
Common types of sleeping disorders include insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep), restless legs syndrome (uncomfortable sensations causing an urge to move the legs), narcolepsy (sudden sleep attacks), and circadian rhythm disorders (disrupted sleep-wake cycles). Causes may include stress, mental health conditions, poor sleep habits, chronic illnesses, medications, or lifestyle factors such as irregular work shifts.