Approximately 70 million people in the United States are affected by a sleep problem. About 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, and an additional 20-30 million are affected by intermittent sleep-related problems. However, an overwhelming majority of sleep disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated. Some of the most common ones are insomnia, restless legs syndrome, parasomnias, circadian rhythm disorders, excessive daytime sleepiness, night terrors, sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and narcolepsy. Long standing sleep disturbances can lead to non-productive lifestyles, poor work performance, weight gain, difficulty with concentration, and social avoidance. Some disorders, like sleep apnea, can lead to even more serious problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Therefore, there is an urgent need for this introduction to the subject of sleep disorders. Chapters include information on symptoms and problems that signal a possible sleep disorder, descriptions of sleep loss effects and their demographics, definitions of common sleep disorders, explanations of various medical and psychological tests for sleep disorder diagnosis, essential medical treatments, guided intervention to change thinking about sleep and related health habits, alternative interventions, follow-up and maintenance issues, and behavioral changes. Appendices include a list of accredited sleep laboratories and resources, suggested readings, and suggested exercises and activities.

This sourcebook presents the history of sleep disorders, from restless legs to insomnia to night terrors, alongside emerging research, illustrations of sleep disorders in society, and treatments. Part of the Health and Psychology Sourcebooks series, this compact volume offers concise information on an issue threatening human health and well-being: sleep disorders. The authors are established psychologists and researchers specializing in the study of sleep and sleep disorders, one an editor for the Journal of Sleep Disorders and Therapy and the other a certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist. The book begins with an introduction that underscores how prevalent sleep disorders and the condition of sleep deprivation are in this nation and why they are considered a public health concern. Chapters explain and illustrate disorders including apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, nightmares, night terrors, and sleepwalking, with each chapter providing an empirical review followed by a case study. For each disorder, history; signs and symptoms; incidence; theory; personal, familial, societal, and economic factors; treatments and solutions; and emerging research are included. t Integrates current and emerging theory and research Illustrates the disorders in society, at work, and in relationships in "Up Close" case studies Discusses treatments for sleep disorders Lists additional resources, such as websites and organizations, for further study