Dr. Clarence G. Glenn Sleep Center

Common Sleep Disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia occurs when you cannot fall asleep or stay asleep. We all occasionally have trouble sleeping, but insomnia means a chronic lack of sleep. This is most noticeable if sleep has been difficult for more than a month, or if it begins to disrupt daily life.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy causes the patient to fall asleep uncontrollably and unexpectedly many times a day. This can be embarrassing and dangerous. Symptoms can include muscle weakness during times of laughter or emotional distress, and/or momentary paralysis just before or after sleep.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable leg sensations that usually occur at rest or before sleep. People with RLS often take longer to fall asleep, wake up more often and have a significant reduction in sleep time.

Often accompanying RLS are Periodic Limb Movements (PLMs)—involuntary, repetitive limb movements during sleep. PLM can also lead to insomnia and/or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea means breathing actually stops for a brief period during sleep. This lack of oxygen wakes up the patient. Sleeping then resumes. Chronic loud snoring, often followed by gasping are common with sleep apnea.