Sleep disturbance is a disruption in the normal quality, timing, duration, or continuity of sleep.
Sleep disturbance can include difficulty falling asleep, repeated awakenings, waking earlier than intended, shortened sleep, or sleep that is not sufficiently restorative. It can result from environmental factors, medical conditions, medications, stress, pain, or changes in daily routines.
Environmental noise is one important cause of sleep disturbance because sound can delay sleep, cause awakenings, and alter normal sleep patterns even when a person does not fully wake up.
Persistent sleep disturbance can contribute to daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, mood changes, and reduced quality of life.
QUICK FACT
Noise can disturb sleep even when a person does not fully awaken or remember the disturbance the next morning.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Insomnia: a sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or experiencing restorative sleep despite adequate opportunity for sleep.
- Sleep deprivation: insufficient sleep, whether caused by disturbance, restricted sleep opportunity, or another reason.
SEE ALSO
