Understanding Your Sleep Struggles: A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Sleep Disorders
Many people experience difficulties with sleep,ranging from trouble falling asleep to excessive daytime drowsiness. While occasional sleeplessness is normal, persistent issues could indicate an underlying sleep disorder. Experts emphasize that seeking help is crucial if these problems interfere with daily life.
Trouble Falling Asleep?
Difficulty initiating sleep can stem from various factors. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, is one possibility. while stress or iron deficiency (anemia) can sometimes contribute, a single definitive cause isn’t always identified. A diagnosis typically requires experiencing symptoms for at least three months, though seeking evaluation sooner is advisable if symptoms worsen.
It’s also important to be cautious about self-treating with substances like alcohol, over-the-counter antihistamines (Benadryl), cannabis, or melatonin. While these may offer temporary relief, they can compromise sleep quality and possibly mask an underlying disorder, according to epidemiologist Dayna Johnson of Emory University.
waking Up Too Often?
Waking up during the night is a natural part of the sleep cycle, becoming more common with age. However, if these awakenings last longer than 5-10 minutes or are disruptive, it could signal a problem. Common culprits, particularly in older adults (aged 65-80), include bladder issues, anxiety, and pain. Addressing these underlying conditions often leads to improved sleep. In some cases, individuals may experience parasomnias - unusual sleep behaviors like sleepwalking, sleep-eating, screaming, or thrashing – which can be harmless, but may also cause injury or sleep disruption.
Struggling with Daytime Sleepiness?
Feeling tired after lunch or in a relaxing surroundings is normal. However, consistent daytime sleepiness that impacts work, driving, or other activities warrants attention. Sleep apnea,a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep,is a common cause. Individuals with sleep apnea may not be aware of snoring,gasping,or choking during the night,but often experience morning headaches and persistent fatigue.
Less commonly, excessive daytime sleepiness can be a sign of narcolepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by sudden “sleep attacks.” Interestingly, narcolepsy patients frequently enough also struggle with nighttime sleep, though the two aren’t directly linked. Diagnosis can be delayed, often taking 10-15 years.
Preparing for a Doctor’s Visit
Most sleep problems can be addressed by a primary care physician or through a referral to a sleep specialist. When scheduling an appointment, clearly describe your specific sleep issue – whether it’s falling asleep, staying asleep, or daytime drowsiness.
Keeping a sleep diary for two weeks beforehand can be helpful, documenting bedtimes, wake times, medication use, exercise, and intake of alcohol and caffeine. However, experts caution against becoming overly focused on tracking sleep, as this can exacerbate the problem. bringing a partner to the appointment can also be beneficial, as they may observe symptoms you haven’t noticed. Data from sleep trackers can be shared, though their accuracy isn’t always guaranteed.
it’s also important to inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or Parkinson’s, as these can be linked to sleep disorders.Similarly, discuss all prescription medications you are taking, as many can impact sleep.
ultimately,experts encourage individuals to simply schedule an appointment,even without extensive preparation. “Just go,” advises Dayna Johnson. ”You don’t need to write anything down; you don’t need to do anything in advance.”
(Originally appeared in The New York Times)
