Glossary of Sleep Disorders Terms
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: June 2020 | Last updated: May 2020
A
Actigraphy
A device worn on the wrist to record movements during sleep and periods of rest versus activity.1
B
BPAP
Similar to a CPAP machine for sleep apnea except 2 pressures can be set - one for inhale and one for exhale.
C
Cataplexy
A sudden loss of muscle tone and control in response to a strong emotion. A symptom of narcolepsy.2
CBT-i
Stands for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. A technique used to treat insomnia.3
Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder
Disorders in which the body’s sleep and wake cycles get out of order. Shift work disorder is the most common.2
CPAP
Stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A machine used to treat sleep apnea that delivers the same amount of air pressure when you inhale and when you exhale.4
H
Home sleep apnea test
A test used at home to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. A less expensive option than polysomnography. This test may work for some but it does not provide as much detail or accuracy as polysomnography.1
Hypersomnias
Sleep disorders in which the person gets very sleepy or falls asleep at inconvenient or dangerous times. Narcolepsy is the most common of these disorders.2
I
Insomnia
A sleep disorder in which the person has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or wakes up too early.2
M
Maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT)
A daytime test that measures your ability to stay awake.1
Multiple sleep latency test (MLST)
A nap test that measures your levels of daytime sleepiness.1
N
Narcolepsy
A type of hypersomnia in which the person has sleep attacks or severe sleepiness. May include cataplexy.2
O
Obstructive sleep apnea
A disorder that causes stops in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. Causes loud snoring, gasps, or choking during sleep. Commonly known as sleep apnea.
P
Parasomnias
Sleep disorders that cause unwanted behavior such as sleepwalking, sleep eating, night terrors, and more.2
Periodic limb movement disorder
A sleep disorder that causes uncontrolled, repeating body movements during sleep or while falling asleep. Often occurs with restless legs syndrome.2
Polysomnography
A comprehensive sleep test performed in a sleep lab. Used to diagnose sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and some other sleep disorders. Often used with other tests, medical history, and sleep diary.1
R
Restless legs syndrome
A sleep disorder that is also a neurological condition. Causes uncomfortable or painful sensations in the legs, often late in the day, that disrupt sleep. Often includes periodic limb movement disorder.2
S
Sleep diary
A 1 to 2 week record of your sleep and lifestyle habits that impact sleep. Used to diagnose sleep disorders and lifestyle issues that may create sleep problems.1
Sleep disorder
A common health condition in which a person has trouble getting restful sleep.2
Sleep hygiene
A set of habits that make it easier to fall asleep and get good-quality sleep.5
Sleep restriction
A treatment for insomnia in which you limit the amount of time you sleep, then gradually add more time to sleep to improve your sleep efficiency.3
Sleep-related breathing disorders
Sleep disorders that cause breathing problems during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the best-known type.2
Sleep-related movement disorders
Sleep disorders that cause body movement during or just before sleep. These movements make it hard to fall or stay asleep. Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder are the most common.2
Snoring
A loud, harsh sound made during sleep. Caused by clogged airways due to nasal congestion, large tongue, or sleep apnea.2