Sleep is a vital process necessary to provide the body with rest and repair. A healthy sleep routine can recharge your body and mind so you are fully ready for the next day. Despite how vital sleep is, many people do not get enough sleep or struggle with sleep quality. A poor night’s sleep once in a while is not a cause for concern; however, persistent sleep issues may indicate a sleep disorder. But how can you know you have a sleep disorder?
To know for sure, you will require medical help. A sleep specialist can diagnose and treat a wide variety of sleep disorders. Depending on your symptoms, you may need to undergo a sleep test. The most common and effective sleep test is polysomnography. It monitors brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, breathing patterns, and muscle activity and provides helpful information to the sleep specialist. They can use the information to determine the right course of action. Below, you will find helpful information to determine if you need to consult with a sleep specialist.
How Can You Know You Have a Sleep Disorder?
Sleep issues can impact your health and overall quality of life. Addressing sleep issues early on can reduce the impact they have on your life. Several signs indicate you may have a sleep disorder.
Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep
The amount of sleep you get and its quality are integral to your overall health. It is recommended that adults get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Chronic difficulties with falling and staying asleep can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and poor performance at work or school. These are signs that your sleep issues may be related to a sleep disorder.
Many people brush off their sleep issues, but it is important to take note of the quality of their rest. Issues falling asleep are often determined by taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep most nights of the week. Additionally, if you wake up throughout the night and struggle to fall back asleep, it can also be an issue. If either of these sleep issues continues for more than a couple of weeks, it is necessary to consult with a sleep specialist.
Daytime Fatigue
Several factors can cause daytime fatigue. One of the more common causes is excessive daytime sleepiness if poor sleep occurs the night before. Adults who get at least seven to nine quality hours of sleep each night should wake up rested. If this is not the case, you may have a sleep condition that impacts your ability to get restorative sleep.
Common signs of daytime fatigue include feeling excessively tired throughout the day. This may result in the need for caffeine to stay alert and focused. While caffeine is a great way to address a poor night’s sleep short-term, it is not something you want to rely on daily to stay awake. Long-term reliance on caffeine can cause health issues and dependence. Daily fatigue can lead to overeating, which can result in obesity and other chronic health conditions. It can also lead to irritability, mood swings, and issues with concentration. Addressing the underlying sleep issue is critical to ensure your long-term health.
Loud Snoring
Occasional snoring is normal and not a sign of a serious medical concern. However, chronic snoring is something that should be looked at by a sleep specialist. When chronic snoring is also accompanied by gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing, it can be a sign of a sleep condition. Obstructive sleep apnea requires treatment to prevent further health complications. A sleep specialist can diagnose and provide effective treatment options for the condition.
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart issues, and daytime fatigue. Sleep apnea is characterized by the partial or complete blockage of the airway during sleep. This condition forces your body to wake up just enough to begin breathing again. This pattern disrupts the sleep cycle and leads to several unwanted symptoms. Many people are unaware that they experience symptoms of sleep apnea. It is often something a partner notices due to the disruptions it can have on their sleep. Getting treatment can improve your sleep and prevent further complications.
Falling Asleep Randomly
It is not uncommon to take a nap after a long day or a poor night’s sleep. Some people may also doze off due to relaxation or boredom. However, regularly falling asleep at inopportune times can be a sign of a sleep disorder. A sleep specialist can determine the exact sleep disorder. It could be due to narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or even a neurological disorder.
Unintentionally falling asleep is often a sign to your body that it needs more rest. However, persistent, unintentional episodes indicate that your sleep drive is overwhelming your brain’s ability to stay alert and awake. Sudden sleep attacks can be dangerous if you are driving or in public. They should be taken seriously as they are a cause for concern.
Common Sleep Disorders
Getting a good night’s rest is essential for your physical and mental health. Daily life and stressors can negatively impact your sleep and overall quality of life. Below are some of the common sleep disorders. Take note of their symptoms so you understand when to reach out for help.
Insomnia
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder. In fact, up to 40% of adults experience insomnia at some point in their lives. The condition is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep. Insomnia leads to several unwanted issues, including daytime fatigue, irritability, and moodiness. It can also result in poor concentration and focus, which can be problematic if you are at work or school.
Insomnia impacts women more than men. It is also more common among women as they get older. Insomnia can be acute or chronic. Acute insomnia generally goes away on its own, as it is usually due to stress or a life change. It only lasts a few days and is not a serious cause for concern. However, chronic insomnia requires treatment. Chronic insomnia involves sleep issues for three or more nights a week for three months or more. Insomnia requires treatment from a sleep specialist.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (“OSA”) is a serious sleep condition that impacts roughly 25 million adults in the United States. The condition involves too much relaxation in the throat muscles and leads to a partial or complete blockage of the airways as you sleep. The blockage causes symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping for air, and daytime fatigue. The condition is related to several other unwanted health issues. Common conditions associated with OSA include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
OSA is more common in men than women. It is also a condition that impacts those over 40. However, people of any age can have the condition, as it is common among those who are overweight. Getting a diagnosis is necessary so you can start an effective treatment plan. Several lifestyle changes can improve the condition. However, a continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) machine is the most common treatment option. Working with a skilled sleep specialist is necessary to effectively manage the condition.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Another common sleep condition that impacts roughly 10% of Americans is restless legs syndrome (“RLS”). RLS is a neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. Generally, the impulse is due to feelings of tingling, pulling, or crawling in the leg. In many cases, the symptoms get worse at night, which can make it extremely difficult to fall asleep.
Women are more likely to experience the condition. RLS can be genetic, but there are additional causes. It can be caused by pregnancy, kidney disease, neuropathy, or iron deficiency. The condition can impact people of all ages, but it is more common as you age. Treatment is necessary and depends on the root cause of the condition. Due to the impact RLS can have on sleep quality, treatment is necessary.
Risk Factors for Sleep Disorders
Understanding your risk for sleep disorders is critical to your overall health. Taking steps to reduce your risk is essential. The impact of poor quality sleep can be significant and serious for your physical and mental health. Below are some of the common risk factors associated with sleep disorders.
Age
The aging process cannot be slowed down. However, there are effective ways to reduce the risk of age-related sleep issues. As you age, sleep patterns naturally change. Specifically, sleep often becomes lighter and more fragmented. This shift may be due to changes in the brain’s sleep-wake cycle or medical conditions associated with older adults. It can also be caused by certain medications or the aging process alone.
To avoid age-related sleep issues, take care when it comes to your sleep routine. Having a healthy nighttime routine can improve sleep quality. Gently wind down before bed by avoiding screens and partaking in relaxing activities. Consider activities like having a warm shower or bath, lightly stretching, or reading. Preparing your body for sleep can create a healthy sleep-wake cycle at any age.
Biological Sex
Certain sleep disorders disproportionately impact one biological sex more than the other. This discrepancy is due to the biological and hormonal differences that males and females experience. For example, males—especially middle-aged or overweight males—are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea. On the other hand, females are more likely to experience insomnia and restless legs syndrome, which can often be linked to the hormonal changes females experience. These changes are common during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
It is common for sleep patterns to be disrupted, which can increase the risk of sleep disorders. For both males and females, it is important to monitor your sleep quality and the amount of sleep you get each night. Early intervention is key for sleep disorders. Be sure to seek medical help as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your sleep patterns.
Weight
One of the common factors related to sleep disorders is your weight. Managing one’s weight is key due to the serious effects it can have on your sleep and overall health. Excess weight can lead to fat deposits around the neck, which can narrow the airways and increase the likelihood of partial or complete obstruction while you sleep. Many people who are overweight suffer from sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
To ensure your overall health, it is helpful to work with a sleep specialist while simultaneously working on managing your weight. A sleep specialist can diagnose and treat your sleep disorder. Knowing any sleep disorders you have is crucial for maintaining your short-term and long-term health. Improving your sleep quality and quantity can aid in weight loss in many cases. Reducing your weight can take a lot of pressure off your body and can improve your sleep and overall health. If you struggle with weight management, talk to a medical professional for additional support.
Certain Medical Conditions
Several chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are strongly associated with sleep disorders. Both conditions frequently co-occur with sleep apnea and insomnia. Mental health conditions can also increase the risk of sleep disorders. The most common mental health conditions include depression and anxiety. Both are linked to insomnia due to their impact on sleep.
Managing your physical and mental health is critical. It can reduce your risk of sleep disorders. Treating the underlying condition is essential. It can improve your sleep quality and quantity. A combination of medication and lifestyle changes can be effective. Focus on eating a nutrient-rich diet, getting regular exercise, and staying hydrated. Stay consistent with sleep hygiene practices, including a wind-down routine in the evening. Mental health conditions can be effectively managed. Common treatments include talk therapy, meditation, and other stress management strategies.
Sleep Specialist
If you have struggled with sleep for more than a couple of weeks, contact Dr. Shukla at the Asthma & Sleep Institute to schedule an appointment!
