A sleep disorder is a disorder in the sleep patterns of a person or animal. Some sleep disorders can interfere with mental and emotional function, due to their interference with REM sleep.
The most common sleep disorders include:
Bruxism: The sufferer involentarily grinds his or her teeth while sleeping
Restless leg syndrome[?] (RLS): An irresistible urge to move legs while sleeping. Often accompanies PLMD.
Sleep apnea: The obstruction of the airway during sleep
Sleep paralysis: Conscious paralysis upon waking or falling asleep
Sleepwalking or somnambulism: Engaging in activities that are normally associated with wakefulness (such as eating or dressing), which may include walking, without the conscious knowledge of the subject
Snoring: Loud breathing patterns while sleeping, sometimes accompanying sleep apnea
Changes in life style, such as shift work change (SWC), can contribute to sleep disorders.