Insomnia is the inability to sleep. Sufferers may not be able to get to sleep, or may wake up often during the night. Insomnia may have several causes including abnormal leg or body movement, pain, breathing difficulties, and emotional problems. Narcolepsy is believed to be caused by a defect in the central nervous system. The condition causes individuals to have abrupt sleep attacks or temporary muscle weakness.
Sufferers can fall asleep during meals or even while driving a car.
Short periods of muscle weakness or total paralysis may occur during strong emotional experiences. Male impotence, although not a sleep disorder, may require testing that is performed during sleep, and The Sleep Center will also offer this testing service.