Wake Up Call
For many people, getting enough rest is a challenge. Sleep disorders can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep or feel rested.
5 Signs of a Sleep Disorder
1. Feeling Very Tired During the Day
If you feel extremely tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep, it could be a sign of a sleep disorder. One sleep disorder, called Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH), causes extreme daytime sleepiness.
People with IH may sleep a lot but still feel tired, no matter how much rest they get. This tiredness can make it hard to focus at work, stay awake in school or even drive safely.
2. Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep
Many people have trouble falling asleep occasionally, but when this becomes a regular problem, it may signal a sleep disorder like insomnia.
Insomnia means that you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or both. It can make you feel tired, stressed and frustrated. Insomnia is often caused by stress, anxiety or other issues, but it can also be a sleep disorder on its own.
3. Waking Up Frequently at Night
If you wake up many times during the night, you may have a condition known as sleep maintenance insomnia. People with this type of insomnia often wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble falling back asleep.
Waking up often interrupts your sleep cycles, meaning you don’t get the deep rest you need. This can lead to feeling tired and irritable during the day.
4. Loud Snoring or Pauses in Breathing
Loud snoring, choking sounds or pauses in breathing at night are signs of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing stops and starts during sleep. It can make you feel exhausted because it prevents you from reaching deep, restful sleep stages.
People with sleep apnea often wake up gasping for air without even realizing it. This disorder can be dangerous if untreated because it stresses the heart and lungs.
5. Moving Around a Lot During Sleep
Some people move around or kick in their sleep, a sign of restless leg syndrome (RLS) or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). RLS causes an urge to move the legs, especially at night.
PLMD is a condition where a person’s legs move involuntarily during sleep, causing awakenings. Both of these conditions disrupt sleep and can lead to daytime tiredness.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Sleep Disorder
If these signs sound familiar, consider speaking to a doctor. There are many ways to manage sleep disorders. Here are some common treatments:
- Lifestyle changes: Going to bed at the same time, avoiding screens before bed and cutting out caffeine can help.
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications to help with sleep disorders like insomnia, restless leg syndrome and idiopathic hypersomnia.
- CPAP machine: If you have sleep apnea, a CPAP machine can help keep your airway open so you can breathe easily throughout the night.
- Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for insomnia. This therapy teaches new ways to think about and manage sleep.
- Sleep study: For severe cases, a sleep study can help diagnose specific sleep disorders. This test records your brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate and breathing as you sleep.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for good health. By understanding the signs of a sleep disorder, you can take the first step toward getting better rest and feeling your best.
Read on to learn more about REM sleep behavior disorder.