Insomnia, which is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep is the leading cause of all sleep disorders. Many factors which may cause insomnia include stress, anxiety, grief, or dependencies, such as alcoholism.  External environmental factors, such as food sensitivity or high levels of caffeine, can also affect sleep patterns.  Mood swings, chronic pain and other illneses, depression, and drug-use can all contribute to insomnia. Many women suffer from sleeping disorders when they menstruate.  Pregnancy and menopause also contribute to sleeping disorders in women.

Sleep apnea is another type of sleep disorder, where breathing is actually Interrupted during sleep.  This occurs when the windpipe becomes blocked for a matter of seconds, while a person is asleep, causing a decrease in oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.  However, once the brain realizes there's a loss of oxygen, the muscles tighten and the windpipe opens to allow air to flow more freely.

A third type of sleep disorder is narcolepsy, whereby a person sleeps excessively throughout the day.  Narcolepsy is generally thought to be an inherited condition, which causes a person to fall asleep, without any notice, for periods of one minute to over thirty minutes. 

Side effects associated with sleeping disorders can range from bedwetting and teeth grinding to night terrors and sleep talking or walking.  Some people suffer from excessive night sweating, which causes sleeping disorders. Other people complain that they become fidgety or experience twitchy movements of their limbs, which cause restlessness.  Even though these symptoms are not as a result of a medical problem, they still cause disturbed sleep patterns for many people.

Nightmares and vivid dreams can also disturb your sleep cycle. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may want to seek treatment from a medical professional. Sleep is a vital component of good health and well-being, and any prolonged form of  sleep disorder could effect the quality of your overall health.