There are hundreds of sleep disorders from which an individual may suffer. Some people find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. There are also those who never develop healthy sleeping habits, although the reason for this is not known, and they subsequently find themselves in a continuous struggle to acquire enough rest. Insomnia and other sleep disorders resolve on their own for certain individuals; however, treatments such as medication and behavioral therapy are necessary for others.

Most doctors report that about 30 percent of adults have battled insomnia at least one time in their life. In addition, approximately 12 percent of the population suffers from a form of the condition that is chronic. Those afflicted with the disorder, whether it is classified as temporary or chronic, are usually unable to fall asleep initially and typically awaken before they should, as well as at multiple times during the night. The side effects associated with insomnia include daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, headaches and anxiety.

Sleeping disorders can occur for no known cause, which is also referred to as idiopathic insomnia. The affliction may also be caused by underlying health conditions or from the side effects of certain drugs. For instance, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and antidepressants have the potential to cause sleeplessness.

Certain insomniacs are clinically depressed and their sleeping difficulties are merely a symptom of their illness. In addition, people suffering from gastroesophageal problems frequently battle insomnia. Treatments are usually recommended based on the underlying cause of the individual's disorder, if such a cause has been identified by a physician.

If the condition is thought to be transient, behavioral therapy such as muscle relaxation and visualization may be prescribed. Doing breathing exercises and deliberately releasing muscle tension can help those with insomnia to fall asleep. Other treatments include sleeping pills such as Ambien, ramelteon or Lunesta.

Some individuals suffer from a different kind of sleeping disorder called narcolepsy. The latter is thought to be linked to a nervous system malfunction, which ultimately causes the person to suddenly fall asleep at the wrong time. During such an episode, the person may feel as if he or she cannot move. Some people also lose muscle tone when such an incident occurs. In addition, those who suffer from severe narcolepsy may experience hallucinations.

According to medical experts, night terrors are also classified as a nervous system disorder that results in sleeplessness. Those who suffer from this condition often wake up after a particularly troubling nightmare and typically remain awake for several hours afterwards. Night terrors usually strike between the hours of midnight and 3 AM, and are much more common in children than adults.

In order to determine the specific kind of condition from which one is suffering, sleeping studies are sometimes completed on the patient. This helps the physician to suggest the most appropriate therapy. However, some individuals have difficulty falling asleep in an environment with which they are unfamiliar, making the test impractical for certain people.

Most physicians, when initially evaluating an insomniac, will order certain tests to rule out underlying health conditions that may be at the root of the problem. This is why it is essential for those who are experiencing insomnia and other sleep disorders to seek the advice of a medical professional.