Normal Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for normal functioning, but almost everyone has an occasional sleepless night. How much sleep is needed? There is no such thing as a 'normal' amount of sleep. On average adults sleep about 7 - 8 hours per night, but some people require more or less sleep than others. More

As we age we tend to sleep fewer hours and we get less deep, restorative sleep. More

Sleep Problems and Disorders

Many people have difficulties sleeping including:

• Problems with falling and staying asleep
• Problems with staying awake
• Problems with adhering to a regular sleep schedule
• Sleep-disruptive behaviors (e.g., nightmares) 1

However, if you have one of these problems it does not necessarily mean that you have a Sleep Disorder. Sleep Disorders affect approximately 20% of the American population, and sleep-related problems affect 50-70 million Americans of all ages.⁴ Of the various types of Sleep Disorders, insomnia is more common with about 30% of adults experience transient insomnia (lasting a month or less) and 15% of adults experience chronic insomnia (lasting 4 or more weeks).⁵

Just because you or someone you know do not meet criteria for a "Sleep Disorder" does not mean that you cannot benefit from information and self-help tools provided by this site. Many of us have occasional difficulty sleeping due to changes in our mood, medications, alcohol or drug use, and medical conditions. More

Defining Sleep Disorders

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th Edition, which is the handbook used most often in diagnosing mental disorders, Primary Sleep Disorders are diagnosed when sleep problems cannot be attributed to another mental disorder, a general medical condition, or use of a substance. Whereas Secondary Sleep Disorders are sleep problems that are associated with medical, neurological, or substance misuse disorders.¹ There are two categories of Primary Sleep Disorders: Dyssomnias and Parasomnias. Learn more about Sleep Disorders.