Sleep Disorders vs. Sleep Apnea: What Is the Difference?

Sleep apnea is one of several types of sleep disorders. Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the quality and timing of sleep, as well as overall sleep patterns. Sleep disorders can include problems with falling asleep or staying asleep, difficulty staying awake during the day, or abnormal behaviors during sleep.

Sleep apnea is a specific type of sleep disorder that is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep. This can lead to pauses in breathing or shallow breathing, which can cause the individual to wake up multiple times throughout the night. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Other types of sleep disorders include insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias (abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking). Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Narcolepsy is a rare disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, which can be relieved by movement. Parasomnias are a group of sleep disorders that involve abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking, night terrors, and REM sleep behavior disorder.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help to diagnose the underlying condition and recommend appropriate treatment options to improve your sleep and overall health.

At CPAPMAN, we offer home sleep apnea testing that is convenient, effective and affordable. Click here or contact us for details.