Home > Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders > Breathing-related sleep disorder

Definition

Breathing-related sleep disorder is marked by sleep disruption caused by abnormal breathing during sleep. The most common complaint of individuals with breathing-related sleep disorder is excessive daytime sleepiness, brought on by frequent interruptions of nocturnal, or nighttime, sleep. A less frequent complaint is insomnia or inability to sleep.

Mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also known as the DSM to diagnose mental disorders. In the 2000 edition of this manual (the fourth edition, text revision, also known as DSM-IV-TR) breathing-related sleep disorder is listed as one of several different primary sleep disorders. Within the category of primary sleep disorders, it is classified as one of...