Disturbed sleep
Disturbed or disruptive sleep disorders are a category of sleep disorders that include:
- parasomnias
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS)
- circadian rhythm disorders
We explore each type of disturbed sleep below.
Parasomnia
Parasomnias are a sub-category of disruptive sleep disorders that can lead to walking or talking in sleep. They can occur in sleep or in the transition between being asleep and awake.
Different types of parasomnia include:
- Night terrors (also called sleep terrors): You abruptly arouse from sleep with a cry or scream. You may not remember this happening in the morning.
- Sleepwalking: You walk around in the night, appearing to be awake, when you’re actually asleep.
- Confusional arousals: You wake up from deep sleep, sit up, look around confused and then fall back asleep.
- Nightmares: You have frightening, vivid dreams that may disturb your sleep.
- Sleep paralysis: Your limbs become briefly paralysed as you fall asleep, which may be distressing.
- REM sleep behaviour disorder: You may move your arms and legs which asleep, as if acting out your dreams.
If you think you may be experiencing a type of parasomnia, speak to your doctor. Your doctor can help to diagnose and treat your sleep disorder.
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea is when your breathing pauses temporarily or becomes shallow while you are asleep. It happens when the walls of the throat relax. This interrupts normal breathing.
Having obstructive sleep apnoea may affect the quality of your sleep. This is because pauses in breathing cause you to sleep less heavily, so your airway reopens.
You may not notice you have the condition. A partner may alert you that you may have it by telling you that your breathing is laboured in the night. If you think you may have obstructive sleep apnoea, speak to your doctor for advice.
Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS)
Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) is a sleep disorder where you repeatedly move your limbs in your sleep. This may disrupt your sleep and cause you to be tired the next day.
PLMS normally affects the legs. If you have PLMS you may make repetitive movements with your legs every 20-40 seconds while you’re sleeping.
Speak to your doctor if you think you may have this condition. The doctor can help diagnose and treat your symptoms.
Circadian rhythm disorder
Circadian rhythm disorder is a type of disruptive sleep disorder where you find it hard to maintain a regular pattern of sleep. Your internal body clock may not work as it should.
If you have this condition you may regularly find it hard to wake up in time for work. This can disrupt your daily routine.
Shift work sleep disorder is a specific type of circadian rhythm disorder caused by shift patterns that overlap a person’s normal sleep period.
If you think you may have a circadian rhythm disorder, speak to your doctor. The doctor can support you to manage your sleep.