Don’t Ignore these Sleep Warnings: When It’s Time to See a Doctor
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by Dr.Michael Lee, World-Today-News.com – January 26,2024
millions of Americans are walking around in a state of chronic sleep deprivation,and shockingly,most haven’t even discussed their sleep issues with a healthcare professional. Roughly 20% of the U.S. population suffers from a chronic sleep disorder,but a pervasive silence surrounds the topic. This is concerning, as poor sleep isn’t just about feeling tired; it’s deeply intertwined with a host of serious health conditions.
Conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and even Parkinson’s disease are frequently linked to underlying sleep disorders. Moreover, many commonly prescribed medications can disrupt sleep patterns. While adjusting your ”sleep hygiene” – establishing a regular bedtime,limiting screen time before bed – can be helpful,sometimes these measures simply aren’t enough.
Experts agree there are key warning signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional help. Ignoring these signals could mean missing a treatable condition that’s impacting your overall health and well-being. Here are three crucial reasons to schedule an appointment with your doctor:
1. Persistent Difficulty falling Asleep
Tossing and turning, a racing mind, and an inability to get agreeable are all hallmarks of potential sleep problems. These can be indicators of insomnia,or restless leg syndrome - a condition characterized by an overwhelming urge to move your legs. While stress or iron deficiency (anemia) can contribute to these issues, frequently enough there isn’t a single, obvious cause.
According to sleep specialist Dr. Gehrman, a formal diagnosis typically requires experiencing these symptoms for at least three months. However, you shouldn’t wait that long if your symptoms are worsening or significantly interfering with your daily life. Don’t hesitate to seek help sooner.
A Red Flag: Regularly relying on over-the-counter sleep aids like alcohol, Benadryl, cannabis, or even melatonin (without a doctor’s guidance) is a cause for concern. While these substances might offer temporary relief,they can actually degrade sleep quality and mask an underlying sleep disorder.
2. Frequent or Prolonged Awakenings During the Night
It’s perfectly normal to wake up briefly during the night, especially as we age. Sleep isn’t a continuous eight-hour stretch. However, Dr. Brienne Miner, a geriatrician and sleep specialist at Yale Medicine, explains that awakenings lasting longer than 5-10 minutes, or that are consistently bothersome, could signal a problem.
Recent research highlights common culprits for nighttime awakenings in older adults: bladder issues, anxiety, and pain. Addressing these underlying conditions can often dramatically improve sleep.
3. Unusual Behaviors During Sleep (Parasomnias)
Some individuals experience parasomnias – abnormal behaviors that occur while asleep. These can range from sleepwalking and sleep-eating to screaming or violent thrashing. While occasional parasomnias aren’t necessarily cause for alarm, frequent or disruptive episodes warrant medical attention.
the Bottom Line:
Don’t dismiss persistent sleep problems as simply “something you’ll get over.” Prioritizing sleep is prioritizing your health. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or a sleep specialist. A good night’s sleep is within reach, and addressing the root cause of your sleep issues is the first step.
Keywords: Sleep Disorders, Insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Hygiene, Parasomnias, Health, Wellness, Doctor, Medical Advice.
