Sleep disorders involve problems with the quality and amount of rest an individual gets on a nightly basis. These conditions impair daily functioning, and they affect millions of people in the United States. Ignoring the symptoms of sleep disorders can lead to broader medical complications. Here is more information about how sleep specialists can diagnose and treat sleep disorders:
Understanding Sleep Disorders
Many different factors disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Physical issues like chronic pain prevent rest, and psychiatric conditions may contribute to insomnia. Sleep specialists evaluate these underlying triggers to get a more complete picture of your health. Genetic predispositions play a role, but aging also changes how the brain regulates rest.
External stressors may interrupt nightly rhythms, making it difficult to rest well. Non-traditional work schedules may shift the body’s internal clock, and screen use before bedtime may disrupt circadian rythms. When the environment is too loud or bright, the brain cannot enter deep restorative stages.
Recognizing Common Symptoms
There are several types of sleep disorders, and they all present in different ways. Insomnia involves difficulty falling or staying asleep, while sleep apnea causes breathing to stop repeatedly, so patients wake up gasping for air. Restless legs syndrome creates an urge to move the limbs. This sensation usually worsens in the evening. Narcolepsy affects the brain’s ability to control wake cycles, and it leads to sleep attacks that occur without warning.
Monitor your body for specific warning signs of sleep disorders if you are having trouble sleeping. Occasional fatigue is normal, but chronic exhaustion suggests a deeper problem. Your partner may notice unusual behaviors during the night. If they do, you might have a condition that would improve with help from a sleep specialist.
Watch for these indicators of sleep disorders:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring or gasping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Morning headaches
Diagnosing Sleep Issues
The diagnostic process begins with a detailed medical history. The doctor will likely ask about your schedule, and they might request a sleep diary. If physical exams rule out other problems, the provider can order a polysomnogram. This test is also known as a sleep study, and it measures how multiple systems in the body work while you sleep. The results of the sleep study can help a sleep specialist understand the cause of your sleep disturbances.
A sleep study is typically performed in a sleep lab, with the patient connected to equipment that monitors their body during the sleep period. Not all studies have to take place at night, but most do. The lab technicians performing the sleep study do not watch the patient all night. Instead, they can respond to alerts from the equipment if they receive signals that something is going wrong or attention is needed.
Treating Sleep Conditions
Treatment plans vary based on the specific diagnosis. A CPAP machine keeps airways open, but some patients prefer oral appliances. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help those with insomnia change thoughts that prevent rest. Medications like anti-seizure medications or iron supplements can manage symptoms for restless legs syndrome, and being more active and working on sleep hygiene can help as well.
Here are some ideas to help you improve your sleep hygiene:
- Be consistent in your sleep and wake times.
- Follow a consistent bedtime routine.
- Keep your phone or other devices away from your sleep space.
- Reduce eating and drinking right before bedtime.
Find Sleep Specialists Near You
Sleep disorders can disrupt daily life. Symptoms of sleep disorders include fatigue and difficulty concentrating, and they may also cause snoring or the inability to relax at bedtime. A sleep study may help you understand your symptoms and find a cause. If you want to learn more about sleep disorders and treatment, consult a sleep specialist near you.
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