Understanding Sleep Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide

By Kathleen J. Sexton-Radek Ph.D., Gina Graci

This sourcebook presents the history of sleep disorders, from restless legs to insomnia to night terrors, alongside emerging research, illustrations of sleep disorders in society, and treatments. Part of the Health and Psychology Sourcebooks series, this compact volume offers concise information on an issue threatening human health and well-being: sleep disorders.

The authors are established psychologists and researchers specializing in the study of sleep and sleep disorders, one an editor for the Journal of Sleep Disorders and Therapy and the other a certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist.

Introduction to Sleep Disorders

The book begins with an introduction that underscores how prevalent sleep disorders and the condition of sleep deprivation are in this nation and why they are considered a public health concern.

Understanding Various Sleep Disorders

Chapters explain and illustrate disorders including apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, nightmares, night terrors, and sleepwalking, with each chapter providing an empirical review followed by a case study. For each disorder, history; signs and symptoms; incidence; theory; personal, familial, societal, and economic factors; treatments and solutions; and emerging research are included.

Apnea: A Silent Killer

Apnea is a common sleep disorder that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, which can occur multiple times throughout the night.

Insomnia: The Silent Sufferer

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, despite an adequate opportunity and desire to sleep.

Narcolepsy: The Uncontrollable Sleep

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy often experience excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep.

Nightmares and Night Terrors: The Dark Side of Sleep

Nightmares and night terrors are two common sleep disorders that can disrupt a person’s sleep and cause significant distress. Nightmares occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, while night terrors occur during the non-REM stage.

Sleepwalking: The Unconscious Wanderer

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a behavior disorder that occurs during deep sleep and results in walking or performing other complex behaviors while still asleep.

Treatments and Solutions for Sleep Disorders

The book provides comprehensive information on various treatments and solutions for sleep disorders, including lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies.

Emerging Research in Sleep Disorders

The book concludes with an overview of emerging research in the field of sleep disorders, highlighting new findings and potential treatments that could revolutionize the way we approach sleep health.