A trip to the doctor is always a good first step if you think you have a sleep problem or feel sleepy during the day. There may be underlying problems contributing to your sleepiness.

You may not be getting enough good sleep because of a sleep disorder.

According to the National Sleep Foundation's 2002 Sleep in America poll, 74% of respondents experienced at least one symptom of a sleep disorder a few nights a week or more.

The International Classification of Sleep Disorders lists over 80 sleep disorders. Because of sleep problems, many people do not get enough good sleep. Below are just a few sleep disorders:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)...A common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.  People who have OSA repeatedly stop breathing, or experience shallow breathing during sleep. This can happen as often as 300 times a night and can disrupt a person's quantity and quality of sleep.

The most common symptom of OSA is excessive sleepiness. Other symptoms of OSA may include morning headaches, dry mouth, snoring, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or depression.

Narcolepsy...A chronic, neurological sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks.  People who have narcolepsy experience uncontrollable sleep attacks, sudden, brief loss of muscle control, the inability to talk or move for brief periods of time while falling asleep or waking up (sleep paralysis) and vivid dream-like experiences while dozing or falling asleep (hypnagogic hallucinations).

The most common and debilitating symptom of narcolepsy is excessive sleepiness. People with narcolepsy often describe their excessive sleepiness as extreme exhaustion and a depressed mood, or lack of energy.

Insomnia...Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.  People with insomnia may have difficulty falling asleep, wake up frequently during the night or difficulty returning to sleep. In addition, people with insomnia may experience daytime sleepiness, irritability or have difficulty concentrating.

Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD)...A sleep disorder that affects people who frequently rotate shifts or work at night.

Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) can be characterized by excessive sleepiness when performing nighttime work and insomnia during daytime sleep opportunities. The body's natural sleep-wake cycle tells the body to sleep at night and be awake during the day.3

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)...A sleep disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and the irresistible urge to move the legs that occur when lying down or sitting for long periods of time.

People who have RLS experience sensations in the leg described as tingling, crawling, creeping or pulling in the calf area. The feelings usually occur when they sit or lie down for long periods of time.

To relieve the sensations in the legs, people with RLS have the urge to move their legs, making it difficult for them to relax and fall asleep. A result of RLS can be daytime sleepiness.