Final answer:
Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder, characterized by trouble falling or staying asleep. Compared to other sleep disorders like parasomnias, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, insomnia affects a larger percentage of the population.
Step-by-step explanation:
a. Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder.
Sleep disorders are prevalent, with insomnia being the most common. Insomnia involves consistent difficulty in falling or staying asleep. Individuals with this condition may take a long time to fall asleep, wake multiple times during the night, and struggle to fall back asleep. Insomnia affects a significant portion of the population, with some studies estimating that between 30% and 50% of people will experience it at some point. In contrast, parasomnias such as sleepwalking, restless leg syndrome, and night terrors are classified under unwanted motor behavior or experiences during sleep, but they are not as frequently encountered as insomnia.
Sleep apnea, which includes breathing disturbances during sleep, and narcolepsy, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to sleep during daytime, are less common but serious disorders. It is critical to address sleep disorders as they can significantly impact a person's quality of life and overall health. Treatment options vary depending on the disorder and its severity.