When facing sleep disorders it is definitely a frustrating experience. Not getting enough sleep will not only make you tired and inactive, but can also lead to other health conditions such as depression.

The problems is that most of us do not see sleep disorders as something serious and the only measure taken is usually the purchase of over the counter sleep aids. However, any sleep disorder is a serious health condition that requires proper treatment.

If you have trouble falling asleep each night, you are not the only one with such a problem. It is estimated that 60 million people suffer from different sleep disorders in the US alone. And in the majority of cases these sleep disorders are chronic if not severe, while only 30% can be classified as mild and transient sleep disorders.

Understanding the types of sleep disorders

Sleep disorders are divided into three main categories, characterizing the essence of the problem:

-lack of sleep

-sleep fragmentation

-excessive sleep

Each type of sleep disorders expresses the relation between the amount of sleep a person gets and their actual needs for sleep. It is said that in average an adult needs between 6 and 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. The actual time varies from person to person and depends on the actual time a person needs for full rest in order to be perfectly active the next day.

The first type of sleep disorders characterized as lack of sleep is also commonly referred to as insomnia. Dealing with insomnia on occasion is nothing strange, as stress and abundance of activities during a particular day can make you toss and turn in bed. However, if insomnia is experienced on a regular basis it is a case of a sleep disorder.

Insomnia can cause serious problems if untreated. It affects mental capabilities, concentration, memory, coordination, well-being and even the immune system. The most common form of insomnia treatment are medications such as Ambien. Consult with your doctor before using them.

Sleep fragmentation is the second type of sleep disorders, which is characterized by interruption of sleep during the night. The most common disorders in this category are sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. These disorders can be caused by neurological conditions and can have a range of consequences. The main problem, however, is that these issues strongly affect the quality of sleep, leading to periodic interruption of sleep during the night, which makes it hard to get proper rest. If you have any symptoms of these health problems, don't hesitate to consult with your physician regarding the treatment options.

The third type of sleep disorders are characterized by excessive sleep also referred to as narcolepsy. Narcoleptic patients experience sleep attacks during the day, which can last from a few minutes to up to an hour. Other forms of excessive sleep can cause hallucinations and vivid dreams while being awake. This form of sleep disorders also requires proper professional treatment.

So if you experience any sleep problems – don't lay it off. Your doctor will prescribe you with a proper medication to improve the quality of your sleep. Don't try to heal yourself by using Ambien or other drugs on your own. Only a doctor can prescribe the right dosage for an effective treatment.