Do You Have a Sleep Disorder?
By Sara Butler
Some people have trouble with sleep -- falling asleep and staying asleep. No doubt as you've laid there waiting to nod off you've considered that you may have a problem larger than just not being able to fall asleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 70 million Americans have sleep disorders that are chronic. And there are about 90 different sleep disorders that can impact you. But having trouble sleeping doesn't mean you definitely have a disorder, it simply means you need to take a closer look. Here are a few signs to be on the lookout for that indicate you may have a sleeping disorder.
Difficulty Falling Asleep
A lot of people have trouble falling asleep. But if it regularly takes you a half hour or longer to do it most nights of the week, then it could mean you have a sleep disorder.
Trouble falling asleep most nights of the week, as in three or more, for over a month means you need to get checked out. You may have insomnia.
Intense Dreams
Vivid dreams or dream-like experiences before waking up or falling asleep could be a sign of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. Feeling as if you could fall asleep or feeling abruptly weak when you experience a powerful emotion is another sign to be looking for.
Snoring
Loud, frequent snoring can mean you have a condition called sleep apnea, which is a breathing problem while you sleep at night. If you have been told that you snore, snort, and gasp when sleeping, then you may have sleep apnea. It's a serious sleep disorder that requires medical assessment, so don't wait to have it checked out.
Not Sleeping Through the Night
It's common to wake up at night and fall right back into slumber, but these awakenings are usually so brief that people don't remember them. But if you regularly wake up and can't fall back to sleep for several minutes or up to an hour, then you may have a sleep disorder.
Exhaustion During the Day
If you wake up in the morning feeling as if you never went to sleep at all, then you could have a sleep disorder. Pay attention to how you feel during the day and take note of any times you fall asleep inappropriately or nap during the day. Those are also a sign that something may not be going right for you at night.
If you suspect a sleeping disorder, get it checked out by a medical professional today!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Des Peres, Mo.