What type of sleep disorder is characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep?

Insomnia is characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep. This condition can lead to significant distress or impairment in daytime functioning. People suffering from insomnia often experience symptoms such as fatigue, mood disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

Insomnia can be classified into different types, including acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term), and it may result from various factors such as stress, anxiety, medical conditions, or lifestyle choices. Understanding this condition is crucial because it affects a large portion of the population and can lead to further complications if not addressed appropriately.

In contrast, the other options describe different sleep disorders. Sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep; parasomnia refers to abnormal behaviors occurring during sleep, such as sleepwalking; and restless legs syndrome is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs in response to uncomfortable sensations. Each of these conditions has unique symptoms and implications, distinguishing them from insomnia.