sleep disturbance

USAGE SUMMARY

"sleep disturbance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any kind of disruption or difficulty with falling asleep or staying asleep. Example sentence: "The patient complained of sleep disturbance as well as other symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Physical symptoms, sleep disturbance, and nightmares occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More than two-thirds of women experience some form of sleep disturbance linked to menstruation.

The New York Times - Health

Mental health problems can ensue including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and even self-harm.

The Guardian - Money

(The effect is reciprocal: sleep disturbance is associated with weight gain).

The New Yorker

Mental-health consequences are major as well: sleep disturbance, depression, and cognitive impairment are common.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can spread diseases more quickly, lead to sleep disturbance and cause additional stress.

The Guardian

Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Therefore, sleep disturbance may involve the functions of amygdala.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

"It can also cause flashbacks, nightmares and sleep disturbance.

BBC

We define sleep disturbance as having a PSQI score > 5.

Annals of Intensive Care

All the patients were given with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), migraine disability assessment (MIDSA), and a standard categorical four-grade sleep disturbance scale (SDS)(0, normal; 1, mild sleep disturbance; 2, moderate sleep disturbance; 3, serious sleep disturbance).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "trouble sleeping" or "sleep problems".

Common error

While phrases like "can't sleep" are common in everyday conversation, they are less suitable for medical or scientific reports. Opt for "sleep disturbance" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sleep disturbance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a condition or state of disrupted or abnormal sleep patterns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard term for describing sleep-related issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sleep disturbance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to a disruption or abnormality in sleep patterns. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and suitable for formal contexts, particularly in scientific, medical, and news-related discussions. While alternatives like "sleep disorder" or "sleep disruption" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance and context. When writing about sleep-related issues, it is best to maintain a formal tone, avoiding overly casual language to ensure clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sleep disorder

This term refers to a broader category of conditions affecting sleep, differing in scope from a single disturbance.

sleep disruption

This alternative emphasizes the interruption of sleep patterns.

sleep fragmentation

A more technical term for discontinuous sleep patterns, often used in medical contexts.

interrupted sleep

This phrase focuses on the fragmented nature of the sleep experienced.

fragmented sleep

Highlights the broken or discontinuous nature of the sleep cycle.

trouble sleeping

This is a more general and informal way of describing difficulty with sleep.

sleep problems

A broader term encompassing various difficulties related to sleep.

poor sleep quality

This refers to sleep that does not provide adequate rest or restoration.

restless sleep

Describes sleep that is not calm or peaceful, indicating a lack of rest.

insomnia

Insomnia is a clinical term indicating chronic difficulty falling or staying asleep.

FAQs

What are some common symptoms of "sleep disturbance"?

Common symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, waking up too early, feeling tired despite sleeping, and difficulty concentrating during the day.

What can I say instead of "sleep disturbance"?

You can use alternatives like "sleep disorder", "sleep disruption", or "sleep problems" depending on the specific context.

Is "sleep disturbance" a formal or informal term?

"Sleep disturbance" is generally considered a more formal and clinical term, suitable for medical and scientific contexts. Informal terms like "trouble sleeping" are more appropriate for everyday conversation.

What causes "sleep disturbance"?

Causes of sleep disturbance can vary widely, including stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, medications, poor sleep habits, and environmental factors.