Sleep Disorders
Research shows that as many as 70 million Americans may be affected by chronic sleep loss or sleep disorders that can affect work, school and relationships. In addition, a sleep disorder can make some medical conditions worse or lead to other medical problems.
Common Sleep Disorders
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Excessive sleepiness
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Parasomnias
- Periodic limb movement disorders
- Restless legs syndrome
Sleep Disorder Symptoms
Talk to your primary care physician about a sleep study if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
- Difficulty sleeping, including trouble falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, waking too early, not being able to fall back asleep or waking unrefreshed
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing or gasping for breath during sleep
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability or depression
- Morning headaches
- Nighttime leg discomfort or movement of your arms and legs while you sleep
- Weakness or loss of muscle strength, often in response to strong emotion
- Sleepwalking or sleep talking
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Sleep Disorder Causes
- Lifestyle factors, including eating, drinking and exercise habits
- Environmental factors (noise, bedding and interruptions by children or pets)
- Shift work and jet lag
- Certain medications
- Psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and stress
- Certain medical problems, such as high blood pressure, pain, acid reflux, enlarged prostate and asthma
- Hormonal factors
- Melatonin levels
