The blanket term “sleep disorder” is used to describe a range of medical conditions that affect normal sleep patterns. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, somnolence (constant sleepiness), sleepwalking and narcolepsy. They are typically diagnosed with the aid of a clinical sleep test known as a polysomnograph. During this test, the patient is connected to equipment which monitors brain waves during sleep and waking cycles. In addition to prescription drugs, which may include sedatives to aid sleep or stimulants to prevent sleepiness, patients can manage the condition by making lifestyle modifications, including going to bed and getting up at consistent hours and additional behavioral interventions.
