Sleep disorders

What is a sleep disorder?

Many people experience problems with their sleep. But when it turns into more than a few sleepless nights, an underlying sleep disorder could be causing your symptoms. A sleep disorder is a condition that affects your ability to sleep and can negatively affect both your general health and wellbeing.   

There are many types of sleep disorders, each with their own symptoms. These include insomnia, where you have difficulty falling or staying asleep; sleep apnoea, where you temporarily stop and start breathing during your sleep; and restless legs syndrome, where you have an irresistible urge to move your legs.  

Our world-leading sleep specialists at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals are experts in diagnosing and treating all types of sleep disorder. We will help you quickly get back to sleeping better again.  

Who is at risk of sleep disorders?

Anyone can develop a sleep disorder, but some people may be at a higher risk than others.  

Potential risk factors for sleep disorders include: 

• high levels of stress 
• anxiety or depression 
• shift working 
• smoking  
• being overweight or obese 
• taking medications with a sedative effect 
• excessive alcohol consumption 
• other chronic health conditions such as heart or lung disease

Types of sleep disorders

There are many different types of sleep disorders, and it’s possible to develop more than one at a time.  

Below is a list of some of the most common sleep disorders, their symptoms and causes.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder where you struggle to fall and stay asleep. You might also feel more tired during the day.  

Chronic insomnia is when the problem lasts for more than 3 months and occurs more than 3 times a week.

Symptoms of insomnia 

Some of the main symptoms of insomnia include:  

• waking up during the night 
• finding it hard to fall asleep 
• waking up too early 
• feeling anxious and irritable during the day 
• struggling to concentrate 

Causes of insomnia 

There are a number of potential causes of insomnia. These include:  

• stress  
• anxiety or depression 
• alcohol, caffeine or other stimulants 
• jet lag 
• shift work 
• uncomfortable beds 
• being too hot or too cold

Sometimes, a combination of these factors can lead to insomnia.

Sleep apnoea 

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during the night temporarily. There are 2 types of sleep apnoea: obstructive sleep apnoea and central sleep apnoea.  

Obstructive sleep apnoea is when the tissues in your mouth and throat relax while sleeping and block your airway. Central sleep apnoea is when your brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control your breathing. 

Symptoms of sleep apnoea 

Some of the main symptoms associated with sleep apnoea include:  

• loud, heavy snoring 
• pausing in your breathing 
• waking up frequently during the night 
• feeling tired or sleepy during the day 
• waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

Causes of sleep apnoea 

Sleep apnoea can occur because of:  

• obesity  
• a large neck 
• ageing  
• large tonsils 
• sleeping on your back 
• a condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

All these things can cause your airways to narrow during the night or block your soft tissues.

Narcolepsy 

Narcolepsy causes you to feel overly tired during the day despite getting the correct amount of sleep. Some people may also experience ‘sleep attacks’ where they cannot stop themselves from falling asleep.   

Symptoms of narcolepsy 

Narcolepsy’s symptoms can vary from person to person, but can include:  

• sleep attacks 
• cataplexy (temporary muscle weakness or loss of muscular control) 
• sleep paralysis (where you cannot move or speak when waking or falling asleep) 
• excessive daytime sleepiness 
• hallucinations when falling asleep or waking 
• memory problems 
• headaches 
• automatic behaviour (where you continue with an activity without remembering it afterwards)  

Causes of narcolepsy 

Experts think narcolepsy is a result of low hypocretin levels, a chemical that helps to regulate your sleep.

Restless legs syndrome 

Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, restless legs syndrome is a common sleep disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. It can often be worse in the evenings or at night and lead to sleep disruption.  

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome 

The main symptom of restless legs syndrome is the urge to move your legs. It can also feel like a crawling or creeping sensation in your legs. Some people develop periodic limb movements in sleep alongside it, which causes them to jerk their arms and legs involuntarily during sleep.  

 Restless legs syndrome symptoms can occur daily or might only happen occasionally. 

Causes of restless legs syndrome 

Restless legs syndrome often does not have an apparent cause. However, it may run in families. One possible reason is how your body processes dopamine. This chemical controls muscle movement and might cause involuntary leg movement.  

An underlying health condition like iron deficiency anaemia or kidney failure may sometimes be the cause.

Parasomnia 

Parasomnia is a sleep disorder where you perform unusual activities in your sleep. They may happen as you’re falling asleep, while you’re asleep or as you wake.  

Symptoms of parasomnias 

Parasomnias can vary from person to person, but they can include:  

• sleepwalking  
• night terrors 
• sleep talking 
• sleep eating 
• sleep paralysis 
• sexsomnia 

Causes of parasomnias 

The cause of parasomnias isn’t always straightforward. However, they could be a result of:  

• certain medications 
• neurological disorders 
• stress 

Sleep experts believe that parasomnias may also run in families.

Complications of sleep disorders 

Left untreated, sleep disorders can affect your waking life even more. If you’re not getting enough or high-quality sleep, you can feel excessively tired and irritable during the day.  

Similarly, you may experience more anxiety and stress because of poor sleep, which can contribute to your sleep disorder.  

Poor sleep is also associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. So, it’s important to seek advice and support if you’re concerned.  

If you are having trouble sleeping or think you may have a sleep disorder that you want diagnosed quickly, our consultants can help. Contact our team to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.