Dyssomnias: The Complete Guide to Sleep Quantity and Quality Disorders
Understanding dyssomnias—the category of sleep disorders that affect how much, when, and how well you sleep. From insomnia to sleep apnea to circadian rhythm disorders, learn to identify your specific condition and discover effective treatments. Sleep Foundation guide on sleep apnea.
What Is a Dyssomnia?
Dyssomnia is a broad category of sleep disorders that affect the amount, quality, or timing of sleep. Unlike parasomnias (which involve abnormal behaviors during sleep like sleepwalking or nightmares), dyssomnias primarily disrupt the sleep process itself—making it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, sleep at the right times, or feel rested after sleeping. Mayo Clinic sleep apnea information.
The term comes from Greek: dys (difficulty/abnormal) + somnia (sleep). According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3) and DSM-5, dyssomnias encompass some of the most common and medically significant sleep conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disorders. NIH sleep apnea prevalence study.
Dyssomnias represent the core of sleep medicine—conditions where the fundamental architecture of sleep goes wrong. Whether it's not enough sleep, too much sleep, sleep at the wrong time, or sleep that's constantly interrupted, these disorders affect every aspect of health and daily function. The good news is they're all treatable once properly diagnosed.
— Dr. Nathaniel Watson, MD, Former President, American Academy of Sleep MedicineThe Sleep Disorder Classification System
Modern sleep medicine classifies disorders using the ICSD-3 (International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 3rd Edition), which organizes conditions into seven major categories: insomnia disorders, sleep-related breathing disorders, central disorders of hypersomnolence, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, parasomnias, sleep-related movement disorders, and other sleep disorders. Dyssomnias is an older umbrella term that covers the first four categories—the disorders that affect sleep quantity, quality, and timing.
The Three Categories of Dyssomnia
Dyssomnias are traditionally divided into three subcategories based on whether the cause originates from within the body, from external factors, or from disrupted biological rhythms.
1. Intrinsic Dyssomnias
Origin: Disorders arising from within the body—problems with the sleep-generating systems themselves.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
- Narcolepsy (Types 1 and 2)
- Idiopathic Hypersomnia
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
- Psychophysiological Insomnia
2. Extrinsic Dyssomnias
Origin: Disorders caused by external or environmental factors that disrupt sleep.
- Inadequate Sleep Hygiene
- Environmental Sleep Disorder
- Altitude Insomnia
- Adjustment Sleep Disorder
- Insufficient Sleep Syndrome
- Drug/Substance-Induced Sleep Disorder
- Alcohol-Dependent Sleep Disorder
3. Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Origin: Misalignment between internal biological clock and external environment.
- Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder
- Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder
- Shift Work Sleep Disorder
- Jet Lag Disorder
- Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm
- Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder
How These Categories Differ
| Feature | Intrinsic Dyssomnias | Extrinsic Dyssomnias | Circadian Rhythm Disorders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Cause | Internal physiological dysfunction | External/environmental factors | Biological clock misalignment |
| Treatment Focus | Medical intervention (devices, medications) | Behavior/environment modification | Light therapy, chronotherapy, melatonin |
| Resolution Potential | Often requires ongoing management | Often curable by removing cause | Manageable with consistent intervention |
| Examples | Sleep apnea, narcolepsy, RLS | Poor sleep hygiene, substance use | Jet lag, shift work disorder |
Intrinsic Dyssomnias: Disorders Arising from Within
Intrinsic dyssomnias are caused by dysfunction within the body's own sleep-regulating systems. These conditions require medical diagnosis and often need ongoing treatment because the underlying physiology is altered.
Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common intrinsic dyssomnia. The upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing breathing pauses (apneas) and oxygen desaturation. Symptoms include snoring, witnessed apneas, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.
Prevalence: 10-30% of adultsCentral Sleep Apnea (CSA)
The brain temporarily fails to send signals to breathe during sleep. Unlike OSA, there's no airway obstruction—breathing effort simply stops. Often associated with heart failure, stroke, or opioid use. Typically no snoring.
Prevalence: 0.9% of adultsSleep-Related Hypoventilation
Abnormally shallow breathing during sleep leads to elevated carbon dioxide levels. Associated with obesity (Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome), neuromuscular disorders, and lung diseases.
Prevalence: Variable by causeCentral Disorders of Hypersomnolence
Narcolepsy Type 1 (with Cataplexy)
Neurological disorder caused by loss of hypocretin-producing neurons. Characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations.
Prevalence: 0.02-0.05%Narcolepsy Type 2 (without Cataplexy)
Similar excessive sleepiness and sleep attacks but without cataplexy. Hypocretin levels are usually normal. Often difficult to distinguish from idiopathic hypersomnia without specialized testing.
Prevalence: 0.02-0.04%Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate (often prolonged) nighttime sleep. Sleep is unrefreshing, and patients may sleep 10+ hours and still feel exhausted. No REM abnormalities like narcolepsy.
Prevalence: 0.002-0.01%Kleine-Levin Syndrome
Rare disorder with recurrent episodes of extreme hypersomnia (sleeping 15-21 hours/day), cognitive disturbance, altered behavior, and sometimes hyperphagia or hypersexuality. Episodes last days to weeks.
Prevalence: 1-5 per millionSleep-Related Movement Disorders
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Irresistible urge to move legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms worsen at rest and in the evening, temporarily relieved by movement. Often causes significant sleep-onset insomnia.
Prevalence: 5-15% of adultsPeriodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
Repetitive, involuntary leg movements (jerks) during sleep that cause arousals. Patient is usually unaware but sleep is fragmented. Often co-occurs with RLS but can exist independently.
Prevalence: 4-11% of adultsInsomnia Disorders
Chronic Insomnia Disorder
Difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or early morning awakening, occurring at least 3 nights/week for at least 3 months, causing daytime impairment. The most common sleep complaint worldwide.
Prevalence: 6-10% of adultsPsychophysiological Insomnia
Learned sleep-preventing associations and heightened arousal about sleep. The harder the patient tries to sleep, the worse insomnia becomes. Characterized by racing thoughts, tension in bed, and sleeping better away from home.
Prevalence: 1-2% of adultsSleep Apnea: The Most Common Intrinsic Dyssomnia
Obstructive sleep apnea affects up to 936 million adults worldwide, making it by far the most prevalent intrinsic dyssomnia. Despite this, 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. If you experience snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, morning headaches, or excessive daytime sleepiness, learn about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. For mild cases, the Back2Sleep intranasal device offers a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP.
Extrinsic Dyssomnias: External Factors Disrupting Sleep
Extrinsic dyssomnias are caused by factors outside the body—environmental conditions, behaviors, or substances that interfere with normal sleep. The good news: these conditions are often curable by identifying and removing the external cause.
Behavioral and Environmental Causes
Inadequate Sleep Hygiene
Poor sleep habits that disrupt sleep: irregular schedules, stimulating activities before bed, caffeine/alcohol use, uncomfortable sleep environment, screen time in bed, or using the bed for non-sleep activities.
Extremely commonInsufficient Sleep Syndrome
Voluntary but unintentional chronic sleep restriction. The person consistently gets less sleep than needed due to work, social, or lifestyle demands—often unaware they're sleep-deprived until consequences accumulate.
Prevalence: 20-30% of adultsEnvironmental Sleep Disorder
Sleep disruption from environmental factors: noise, light, temperature extremes, bed partner disturbance, unfamiliar sleeping location, or uncomfortable bedding. Typically resolves when the environment is corrected.
VariableAdjustment Sleep Disorder
Temporary insomnia related to identifiable stressors: job loss, relationship problems, illness, major life changes. Usually resolves within 3 months of stressor resolution or adaptation.
Very common (acute)Substance-Related Sleep Disorders
Alcohol-Dependent Sleep Disorder
Using alcohol as a sleep aid. While alcohol may help initiate sleep, it disrupts sleep architecture—causing fragmented, unrefreshing sleep, early morning awakening, and worsening sleep as tolerance develops.
Prevalence: 10-15% of insomnia patientsStimulant-Dependent Sleep Disorder
Sleep disruption from caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, or other stimulants. May cause sleep-onset insomnia, reduced total sleep, or altered sleep architecture. Often unrecognized because stimulant use is normalized.
Very commonHypnotic-Dependent Sleep Disorder
Paradoxical insomnia from chronic use of sleep medications. Tolerance develops, requiring higher doses for effect. Discontinuation causes rebound insomnia, perpetuating dependence.
IncreasingAltitude Insomnia
Sleep disruption occurring at elevations above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Reduced oxygen triggers periodic breathing and frequent arousals. Typically resolves with acclimatization or descent.
Common at altitudeThe Hidden Cost of Insufficient Sleep
Insufficient Sleep Syndrome is arguably the most widespread dyssomnia in modern society—and the most underrecognized. The CDC reports that 35% of American adults get less than 7 hours of sleep. Chronic sleep restriction increases risk for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, accidents, and mental health disorders. Unlike true insomnia where the person cannot sleep, insufficient sleep syndrome occurs when people choose not to or don't prioritize sleep—often without realizing the cumulative damage.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders
Circadian rhythm disorders occur when your internal biological clock is misaligned with the external environment. Your body wants to sleep at times that conflict with work, school, or social obligations—or your internal clock runs on a cycle that doesn't match the 24-hour day.
Understanding Your Circadian Rhythm
Your circadian rhythm is an internal ~24-hour clock controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus. It regulates the timing of sleep, alertness, hormone release, body temperature, and virtually every physiological process. Light is the primary zeitgeber ("time giver") that synchronizes this clock with the environment. When the clock and environment are misaligned, sleep and waking occur at inappropriate times.
Types of Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD)
Internal clock runs 2+ hours later than conventional times. Person naturally falls asleep at 2-6 AM and wakes at 10 AM-2 PM. Common in adolescents and young adults. Sleep quality is normal when allowed to follow natural schedule.
Prevalence: 7-16% of adolescentsAdvanced Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (ASWPD)
Internal clock runs 2+ hours earlier than desired. Person falls asleep by 6-8 PM and wakes at 2-5 AM. More common in older adults. Evening social activities become impossible due to irresistible sleepiness.
Prevalence: 1% of middle-aged adultsShift Work Sleep Disorder
Insomnia and/or excessive sleepiness due to work schedule conflicting with circadian rhythm. Night shift and rotating shift workers are most affected. Associated with increased accidents, health problems, and impaired quality of life.
Prevalence: 10-38% of shift workersJet Lag Disorder
Temporary misalignment after rapid travel across time zones. Symptoms include insomnia, daytime sleepiness, GI disturbance, and cognitive impairment. Recovery takes approximately 1 day per time zone crossed.
Affects most travelersNon-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder
Internal clock runs on a cycle longer than 24 hours (often 24.5-25 hours). Sleep timing drifts progressively later each day. Most common in totally blind individuals who lack light input. Rare but severe in sighted people.
Prevalence: 50-70% of totally blindIrregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder
No clear circadian pattern—sleep and wake periods are fragmented throughout 24 hours. Associated with neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, dementia), brain injury, or lack of environmental cues in institutionalized patients.
Common in dementiaTreatment Approaches for Circadian Rhythm Disorders
| Disorder | Primary Treatment | Supporting Interventions |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed Sleep Phase | Morning bright light therapy, evening light avoidance | Low-dose melatonin (0.5-3mg) 5-7 hours before desired sleep; chronotherapy |
| Advanced Sleep Phase | Evening bright light therapy, morning light avoidance | Activity/exercise in evening; avoid early bright light |
| Shift Work Disorder | Strategic napping, light exposure during shift | Blackout curtains for day sleep; melatonin for day sleep initiation |
| Jet Lag | Timed light exposure based on travel direction | Melatonin at destination bedtime; pre-adjust schedule before travel |
| Non-24-Hour | Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) for blind individuals | Strict schedule adherence; melatonin; bright light if any light perception |
Dyssomnia vs. Parasomnia: What's the Difference?
Sleep disorders are broadly divided into two major categories: dyssomnias (problems with the sleep process itself) and parasomnias (abnormal behaviors or experiences during sleep). Understanding this distinction helps clarify what type of sleep disorder you may have.
| Feature | Dyssomnias | Parasomnias |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Disorders of sleep amount, quality, or timing | Abnormal behaviors, movements, or experiences during sleep |
| Primary Complaint | Can't sleep, too sleepy, sleep at wrong times | Strange things happen during sleep |
| Sleep Structure | Disrupted sleep architecture | Sleep structure often normal; events intrude |
| Examples | Insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, jet lag | Sleepwalking, night terrors, REM behavior disorder |
| Daytime Impact | Excessive sleepiness, fatigue, impairment | Usually minimal unless events cause injury or sleep loss |
| Awareness | Patient usually aware of sleep problem | Patient often unaware during events (amnesia) |
| Age Distribution | All ages; some types more common in adults | Many more common in children |
Common Parasomnias (For Comparison)
Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)
Complex behaviors performed while partially asleep. Person may walk, eat, or even drive with no memory. Most common in children; runs in families.
Night Terrors
Episodes of intense fear, screaming, and autonomic arousal during deep sleep. Person is inconsolable and has no memory. Different from nightmares.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Acting out dreams due to loss of normal REM paralysis. Can cause injury to self or bed partner. Associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Nightmares
Vivid, disturbing dreams that cause awakening with detailed recall. Occur during REM sleep. May become a disorder if frequent and distressing.
Can You Have Both?
Yes—dyssomnias and parasomnias can coexist. For example, a patient with obstructive sleep apnea (dyssomnia) may also experience sleep-related hallucinations (parasomnia). Untreated sleep apnea can actually trigger or worsen parasomnias by fragmenting sleep and destabilizing sleep stages. Treating the underlying dyssomnia often reduces parasomnia frequency.
Sleep Apnea: The Most Common Dyssomnia
Obstructive sleep apnea deserves special attention as the most prevalent intrinsic dyssomnia with significant health consequences. It affects up to 30% of adults and is directly linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cognitive decline, and increased mortality.
How Sleep Apnea Fits the Dyssomnia Classification
- Sleep Quantity: Total sleep time may be adequate, but frequent apneas fragment sleep into non-restorative segments
- Sleep Quality: Repeated oxygen desaturations and micro-arousals prevent deep, restorative sleep
- Daytime Consequences: Excessive sleepiness, fatigue, cognitive impairment, irritability
- Intrinsic Origin: Caused by anatomical and physiological factors within the body (airway collapse)
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
| Severity | First-Line Treatment | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Mild OSA (AHI 5-14) | Lifestyle changes, positional therapy, Back2Sleep intranasal device | Oral appliances, weight loss |
| Moderate OSA (AHI 15-29) | CPAP therapy | Oral appliances, hypoglossal nerve stimulation |
| Severe OSA (AHI 30+) | CPAP or BiPAP therapy | Surgery, combination therapy |
How to Identify Which Sleep Disorder You Have
Different dyssomnias present with different symptom patterns. Use this decision guide to help narrow down your specific condition—though professional diagnosis is essential for proper treatment.
Symptom-Based Decision Guide
| Primary Symptom | Additional Clues | Likely Dyssomnia |
|---|---|---|
| Can't fall asleep | Racing thoughts, tension in bed, sleeps better away from home | Chronic insomnia / Psychophysiological insomnia |
| Can't fall asleep | Natural sleep time is 2-6 AM, sleeps fine on weekends | Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder |
| Can't fall asleep | Uncomfortable leg sensations, urge to move, worse at rest | Restless Legs Syndrome |
| Excessive daytime sleepiness | Snoring, witnessed apneas, morning headaches, nocturia | Obstructive Sleep Apnea |
| Excessive daytime sleepiness | Sudden muscle weakness with emotions, vivid dreams, sleep paralysis | Narcolepsy Type 1 |
| Excessive daytime sleepiness | 10+ hours sleep still unrefreshing, severe sleep inertia | Idiopathic Hypersomnia |
| Excessive daytime sleepiness | Night/rotating shift work, trouble sleeping during day | Shift Work Sleep Disorder |
| Can't stay asleep | Heart failure, stroke history, opioid use, no snoring | Central Sleep Apnea |
| Falls asleep too early | Sleepy by 7-8 PM, awake at 3-5 AM, older adult | Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder |
| Sleepy after travel | Recent flight across multiple time zones | Jet Lag Disorder |
When to See a Sleep Specialist
Seek professional evaluation if you experience:
- Chronic excessive daytime sleepiness affecting work or safety
- Witnessed breathing pauses during sleep
- Difficulty sleeping despite good sleep hygiene for more than 3 months
- Falling asleep while driving or in dangerous situations
- Sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions (possible narcolepsy)
- Unusual or violent behaviors during sleep
- Sleep problems causing significant distress or impairment
Treatment Approaches by Dyssomnia Type
Treatment depends on the specific dyssomnia and its underlying cause. Here's an overview of evidence-based approaches for each category.
Treating Intrinsic Dyssomnias
| Disorder | First-Line Treatment | Second-Line / Adjuncts |
|---|---|---|
| Obstructive Sleep Apnea | CPAP therapy, weight loss | Oral appliances, Back2Sleep (mild), surgery |
| Chronic Insomnia | CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) | Short-term sleep medications, relaxation techniques |
| Narcolepsy | Wake-promoting agents (modafinil, solriamfetol) | Sodium oxybate for cataplexy; scheduled naps |
| Restless Legs Syndrome | Iron supplementation (if deficient), dopamine agonists | Alpha-2-delta ligands, opioids (severe cases) |
| Idiopathic Hypersomnia | Wake-promoting agents, stimulants | Scheduled naps, lifestyle modifications |
Treating Extrinsic Dyssomnias
The Good News About Extrinsic Dyssomnias
Many extrinsic dyssomnias are curable simply by identifying and removing the external cause:
- Poor sleep hygiene: Implement consistent sleep schedule, dark/quiet/cool bedroom, limit screens before bed
- Insufficient sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours; schedule sleep like any important appointment
- Alcohol-dependent sleep: Eliminate alcohol as sleep aid; allow 2-4 weeks for natural sleep to return
- Caffeine-related: No caffeine after noon; eliminate gradually to assess impact
- Environmental factors: Blackout curtains, white noise, comfortable temperature (65-68°F), quality mattress
Treating Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Light Therapy
Timed bright light exposure (10,000 lux) to shift circadian rhythm. Morning light for delayed phase; evening light for advanced phase. 30-60 minutes daily.
Light Avoidance
Blue light blocking glasses and dim light in hours before desired sleep. Critical for delayed sleep phase. Avoid screens 2-3 hours before bed.
Melatonin
Low-dose melatonin (0.5-5mg) timed strategically. For delayed phase: 5-7 hours before desired sleep. For jet lag: at destination bedtime.
Chronotherapy
Gradually shifting sleep time. For delayed phase: delay sleep by 2-3 hours each day until reaching desired time. Requires strict schedule adherence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyssomnias
The most common example of dyssomnia is chronic insomnia—difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, occurring at least 3 nights per week for 3+ months. Other common examples include obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders like delayed sleep phase syndrome or shift work sleep disorder.
Dyssomnias are traditionally classified into three categories: (1) Intrinsic dyssomnias—disorders originating within the body (sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome); (2) Extrinsic dyssomnias—disorders caused by external factors (poor sleep hygiene, substance-induced sleep problems, environmental factors); and (3) Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders—misalignment between internal biological clock and external environment (jet lag, shift work disorder, delayed/advanced sleep phase).
Dyssomnias are disorders that affect sleep quantity, quality, or timing—you can't sleep, you sleep too much, or you sleep at the wrong times. Parasomnias are disorders involving abnormal behaviors, movements, or experiences during sleep—sleepwalking, night terrors, REM behavior disorder, nightmares. With dyssomnias, the sleep process itself is disrupted; with parasomnias, abnormal events intrude into otherwise normal sleep.
Yes, both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA) are classified as intrinsic dyssomnias because they disrupt sleep quality from within the body. Sleep apnea fragments sleep through repeated breathing pauses and oxygen desaturations, causing excessive daytime sleepiness and other consequences. It's actually the most common intrinsic dyssomnia, affecting up to 936 million adults worldwide.
The most common dyssomnias are insufficient sleep syndrome (voluntary chronic sleep restriction, affecting 20-30% of adults), chronic insomnia (affecting 6-10% of adults with full disorder criteria, but 30%+ with symptoms), and obstructive sleep apnea (affecting 10-30% of adults). Among extrinsic dyssomnias, inadequate sleep hygiene is extremely prevalent but often not recognized as a disorder.
Treatment depends on the specific dyssomnia. Insomnia is best treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Sleep apnea is treated with CPAP, oral appliances, or devices like Back2Sleep for mild cases. Narcolepsy requires wake-promoting medications and lifestyle adjustments. Circadian rhythm disorders respond to light therapy, melatonin, and chronotherapy. Extrinsic dyssomnias are often cured by removing the external cause (substance, environmental factor, behavioral pattern).
Causes vary by type: Intrinsic dyssomnias result from physiological dysfunction—anatomical factors causing airway collapse (OSA), loss of hypocretin neurons (narcolepsy), or abnormal dopamine signaling (RLS). Extrinsic dyssomnias are caused by external factors—poor sleep habits, substances, environment, or stress. Circadian disorders result from misalignment between internal biological clock and external demands, caused by genetics, light exposure patterns, work schedules, or travel.
It depends on the type. Extrinsic dyssomnias are often curable by removing the external cause. Circadian rhythm disorders are manageable but require ongoing intervention to maintain alignment. Intrinsic dyssomnias like sleep apnea and narcolepsy are typically chronic conditions requiring long-term management—though weight loss can sometimes "cure" mild sleep apnea, and CBT-I can produce lasting remission of chronic insomnia in many patients.
Taking Control of Your Sleep Health
Understanding dyssomnias—the disorders that affect how much, how well, and when you sleep—is the first step toward better rest and better health. Whether you're struggling with insomnia, excessive sleepiness, breathing disturbances, or circadian rhythm problems, effective treatments exist for virtually every dyssomnia.
Key Takeaways
- Dyssomnias affect sleep quantity, quality, or timing—distinct from parasomnias (abnormal sleep behaviors)
- Three categories: Intrinsic (from within body), Extrinsic (external causes), Circadian (clock misalignment)
- Sleep apnea is the most common intrinsic dyssomnia, affecting up to 936 million adults worldwide
- Extrinsic dyssomnias are often curable by removing the external cause
- 80% of sleep disorders remain undiagnosed—don't ignore persistent sleep problems
- Professional diagnosis is essential for proper treatment—see a sleep specialist if symptoms persist
If you recognize your symptoms in any of the conditions described in this guide, don't wait for problems to accumulate. Poor sleep affects every aspect of health—cardiovascular, metabolic, cognitive, and mental. The sooner you get an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment and reclaim the restorative sleep your body needs.
Struggling with Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common intrinsic dyssomnia—and it's highly treatable. For mild cases, the Back2Sleep intranasal device offers a comfortable, CPAP-free solution that maintains nasal airway patency during sleep. No mask, no machine, no noise.
Try the Back2Sleep Starter KitLearn about sleep apnea | Contact us for questions
