Classification of sleep disorders

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia


Classification of sleep disorders
Synonyms Sleep disorder classification
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Insomnia, hypersomnia, parasomnia, circadian rhythm sleep disorder
Complications Daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, mood disorders
Onset Varies by disorder
Duration Chronic or acute
Types Dyssomnia, Parasomnia, Circadian rhythm sleep disorder
Causes Varies by disorder
Risks Stress, anxiety, depression, shift work
Diagnosis Polysomnography, sleep study, actigraphy
Differential diagnosis Sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy
Prevention N/A
Treatment Cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, sleep hygiene
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies by disorder
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


The classification of sleep disorders is an organized system used by healthcare professionals and researchers to categorize the various types of sleep disorders. Sleep disorders are conditions that impact the quality, timing, or duration of sleep and can have a significant effect on an individual's health and well-being. The classification system helps in understanding, diagnosing, and treating sleep disorders.

International Classification of Sleep Disorders[edit]

The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD) is the primary system used to classify sleep disorders. Developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the ICSD is regularly updated to reflect the latest understanding of sleep disorders. The most recent edition, ICSD-3, groups sleep disorders into seven major categories:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders[edit]

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a classification system used by mental health professionals to diagnose psychiatric disorders. The DSM also includes a section on sleep disorders, which largely aligns with the ICSD. The most recent edition, DSM-5, categorizes sleep disorders into the following groups:

Common Sleep Disorders[edit]

Some of the most common sleep disorders include:

  • Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often resulting in poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue.
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing due to airway blockage.
  • Narcolepsy: A chronic neurological disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of sleep.
  • Restless Legs Syndrome: A sleep-related movement disorder characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.
  • Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders: A group of sleep disorders that result from disruptions to the body's internal clock, leading to sleep disturbances.

See Also[edit]


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