Although most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, each person's sleep needs are different. A good gauge for determining how much sleep you need is simply how you feel during your waking hours. If you do, these may be indications of a sleep problem. The Facts about Sleep Problems Of all the sleep disorders, insomnia and sleep apnea are the most prevalent. Insomnia is defined as trouble falling asleep, awaking in the middle of the night, or waking up early.
Insomnia can be temporary, occasional, or chronic.
Sleep apnea is characterized by loud snoring with interrupted breathing in which the person suddenly catches his or her breath because of a lack of oxygen. This cycle continues hundreds of times a night and interrupts the sleep cycle. Outside of these signs of sleep apnea, daytime tiredness is a common symptom. Sleep apnea places an individual at greater risk for cardiovascular problems. The causes of sleep apnea can be traced to extra tissue over the windpipe, abnormalities in the nose and throat, and being overweight.