The medical disorder which affects the sleep patterns of a person is
referred to as a sleep disorder. It can often interfere with the normal
physical, social and emotional functioning of a person. It is commonly
diagnosed with the help of tests such as polysomnography and actigraphy.
Sleep disorders are classified into various categories namely
dyssomnias, parasomnias and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. The
condition where a person has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
without any visible cause is known as insomnia. It is the most common
sleep disorder and falls under the category of dyssomnia. It is often
caused by psychological stress, hyperthyroidism, heartburn, heart
failure, and other drugs such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. A few
other common sleep disorders include sleep apnea, narcolepsy,
hypersomnia, sleepwalking, and night terrors. Treatments of sleep
disorders are grouped into four classes, namely, behavioral and
psychotherapeutic treatment, medication, rehabilitation and management,
and somatic treatment. This book provides comprehensive insights into
sleep disorders. It consists of contributions made by international
experts. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will
be greatly assisted by this book.
