Sleep Disorders: Being Alert To Common Varieties

Course overview

Sleep and circadian disturbances and disorders are highly prevalent in the United States. An estimated 25% to 30% of the general adult population suffers from inadequate sleep, leading to an increase in disability, morbidity and mortality. Sleep deprivation resulting from lifestyle factors is also common in our society, further affecting the health of U.S. adults. More than 80 sleep diagnoses exist. The most frequently diagnosed sleep disorders in adults are insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and sleep movement disorders. Awareness of these common disorders is the first step in being able to clinically recognize such sleep disorders in patients. Healthcare providers must be aware of the health consequences of inadequate sleep and untreated sleep disorders in people they engage with in the clinical setting.