Sleep and Mood Resource Clinic of Texas

A primary sleep disorder is caused by an abnormality in the physiological processes of the body. There are different categories
of primary sleep disorders depending on which bodily system they impact or originate in, as summarized below:

A genetic or biological basis toward hypervigilance may predispose one to this type of
sleep disorder. Often triggered by a stressful life event or condition, which may or may
not be associated with the onset of depression. Characterized by excessive anxious
preoccupation about ones' ability to sleep. Insomnia continues long after the trigger
that provoked it. Best treated by a sleep-trained mental health professional.

Sensations of restlessness or crawling in the legs while at rest or during bedtime, accompanied by an intense urge to kick,
move or walk it off. Most often treated by a neurologist who specializes in sleep.

Involuntary twitching or jerking of the muscles during the night. The person affected may not be aware of the movements.
May cause numerous partial of full awakenings during the night and subsequent daytime sleepiness. Most often treated by
a neurologist skilled in the treatment of sleep disorders..

Shallow breathing or cessation of breathing during sleep, often followed by gasping, choking or snorting. Loud snoring.
Excessive daytime sleepiness. Generally treated by a sleep-trained pulmonary medicine provider who can help determine
the type of sleep apnea and its' severity.

Symptoms include episodes of sleep attacks, excessive daytime sleepiness. The person may
experience loss of muscle tone when provoked by strong emotion and/or hallucinations upon
going to sleep. Generally treated by a sleep-trained neurologist.

As they sound, these disorders are characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness that seriously interferes with social and
occupational functioning

Characterized by excessive sleepiness during the day, long daytime naps, and long periods of sleep at night that is not
restorative in nature. Awakening from naps may be associated with confusion, and unusual behaviors. Largely treated
by a neurologist. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression may have similar symptoms.

Repeated occurrence of nightmares during rapid eye movement sleep in the absence of a medical, mental health or substance
disorder. The person can usually awaken and recall the distressing content of the nightmare.

Parasomnias are characterized by abnormal behaviors or physiological responses during sleep and treated by neurologists.

Awakening suddenly with fear or screaming generally within the first hour of sleep. Often accompanied by rapid
heart rate and breathing. Inability to recall the frightening dreams. May occur in adults but generally in children
between the ages of 5-8.

The acting out of dreams, often dangerously, during REM sleep. Striking out, thrashing and hitting may occur putting bed
partners and the sleeper him/herself at risk.

Certain medical disorders may be commonly associated with sleep problems. Generally a medical professional will treat the
disorder to decrease its impact on your sleep. The patient should also maintain good sleep hygiene to prevent progression of
medical-based sleep problems to a chronic sleep disturbance. Below are the most common types of disorders impacting sleep:

May impact sleep by causing shortness of breath,
anxiety and may lower blood-oxygen levels that
cause partial or full night time arousals. For example:

May disrupt sleep by causing chest pain, shortness
of breath, panic or low oxygen levels. For example:

May disrupt sleep by causing arousals due to the back
up of gastric acids or stomach discomfort. For example:

Sleep disturbance may occur at various times throughout
a woman's hormonal state Fluctuating or decreasing levels
of progesterone and estrogen may disrupt the rhythms of
sleep. For example:

May disrupt sleep architecture and/or create pain, stiffness,
& discomfort that prohibit restful sleep. For example: