Sleep problems and disorders are very common. In fact, one out of every four Americans has trouble sleeping:

• About 35 million Americans (12%) have intermittent sleep problems, such as mild or occasional insomnia. Here in Orlando and Central Florida, there are about 225,000 people with these problems.
       Occasional sleeplessness can be reduced by changing your sleep habits. We've put together some tips on how to help you with mild sleep problems.
   

• Another 44 million American (15%) have more serious chronic sleep disorders. There are about 280,000 people in the Orlando and Central Florida area who are affected.
       These disorders affect quality of life and can have even more serious consequences. Such disorders may require evaluation and possible medical treatment from qualified sleep specialists.

Here is a quick overview of the most common sleep disorders and their symptoms. For additional information, click on the sleep disorder name; you will be taken to a new page with more details.

4Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when a person repeatedly stops breathing during sleep. This is by far the most common type of sleep disorder. Major symptoms include:

• Heavy or loud snoring
• Interrupted breathing during sleep
• Restless sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness

For a more comprehensive list of symptoms, see the sleep apnea page.

4Narcolepsy

"Sleep attacks" caused by narcolepsy may occur during work, while driving and even during sex. The main symptom of narcolepsy is:

• Sudden, unexpected daytime sleep

A similar disorder is ideopathic hypersomnolence.

4Restless legs

Restless Legs Syndrome is characterized by:

• A strong, constant urge to move the legs (or other body parts) during rest or sleep

4Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep problem often alleviated by lifestyle change, and change in sleep habits. The main symptoms of insomnia are:

• Difficulty in falling asleep
• Difficulty in staying asleep
• Daytime sleepiness

4Parasomnia

Parasomnia includes:

• Sleepwalking
• Night terrors

Sleep deprivation
can be deadly

Over 1500 people die each year in the U.S. due to drowsy drivers. These are not fender-bender accidents -- these are severe crashes where a sleepy driver steers into another lane or runs off the road. (For more information, see our page "Dangers of drowsy driving.")

If you or a loved one has ever nodded off behind the wheel, you should talk with your doctor to prevent any recurrence.

NOTE: Sleep health information discussed at this website is for educational purposes. Each
            individual is different and may have varying symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.
            If you are having sleep health problems, obtain professional medical advice.

©2006, Morris T. Bird, M.D. and Robert S. Thornton, M.D.
Medical Directors of the Center for Sleep Disorders at Florida Hospital
Solving sleep problems, snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleeping issues in Central Florida.
With six sleep centers at Florida Hospital locations:
   Orlando Main Campus, East Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Celebration, Winter Park and Apopka