Sleep disturbances are any problems that get in the way of getting good, restful sleep. This can mean trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up too early, or feeling tired even after a full night in bed. Sleep disturbances are common and can happen to people of all ages. Sometimes they’re short-term—like when you’re stressed or adjusting to a new schedule—but other times they last longer and begin to affect your daily life. Types of sleep disturbances can include:
- Insomnia – trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early
- Parasomnias – unusual behaviors during sleep (sleepwalking, nightmares or night terrors, sleep talking, etc.)
- Hypersomnia – sleeping too much or feeling extremely sleepy during the day, even after a full night’s sleep
- Sleep apnea – breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep
- Restless legs syndrome – an uncomfortable urge to move the legs at night
- Circadian rhythm sleep disorders– when your internal body clock is out of sync with your schedule.
When sleep problems happen often (like several nights a week) and last for months, they can cause impairment in mood, social functioning, mental health conditions, and work/academic functioning. Sleep disturbances can happen even when someone is trying to get enough sleep and has a quiet, comfortable place to rest. If sleep problems happen often (like several nights a week) and go on for a few months or more, it may be a sign of a deeper issue, like Insomnia Disorder or another sleep condition.