Sleep is essential for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, which is why it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough of it. If you’re exhibiting any of the signs of a sleep disorder listed below, it’s important to get help right away.
You Can’t Fall Asleep or Stay Asleep
Being unable to fall asleep or stay asleep is a sign of insomnia, the most common sleep disorder. Other signs of insomnia include:
- Fatigue
- Decreased energy
- Concentration problems
- Mood problems
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Feeling generally unwell
If your sleep problems occur at least three nights per week and persist three months or longer, this is considered chronic insomnia. The best treatment for chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI), though sleeping pills may also be used.
You Snore Regularly
Loud snoring is often a telltale sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses are the result of the soft tissues in the mouth and throat collapsing into the airway.
OSA is diagnosed with a home sleep test. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications like losing weight, oral appliances, continuous positive airway pressure or surgery.
You Don’t Feel Rested During the Day
Even if you feel like you’re getting a full night’s sleep, you may feel fatigued or unrested during the day. This could be a sign of sleep apnea or another sleep disorder known as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a sleep condition where you rapidly transition between states of sleep and wakefulness.
A multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) or a diagnostic polysomnogram may be used to diagnose a sleep disorder related to daytime sleepiness.
You Have Restless Legs
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a disorder where you have an uncomfortable feeling in your legs, usually when sitting or lying down, which causes them you to move them. RLS can make it extremely challenging to fall asleep at night.
RLS is often exacerbated by an iron deficiency or another coexisting medical condition. Treatment includes iron replacement and prescription medications. If you’re having trouble sleeping, don’t rush off to return your mattress to Mattress Outlet of Newport News. For more information about the signs of sleep disorders or to schedule an appointment with a sleep expert, call Hampton Roads ENT today.