Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A sleep disorder refers to any condition that disrupts the normal pattern of sleep, causing difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to inadequate or poor quality sleep.
Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked airways or improper brain signals.
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during normal waking hours.