Why Would You Need a Sleep Study?
An overnight sleep study, also called a polysomnogram, is an overnight medical procedure that helps your doctor diagnose sleep problems. It uses special equipment to monitor your sleep patterns throughout the night. This data can help personalize treatment for sleep issues.
What are the Effects of Sleep Disorders?
Adults should strive for eight hours of sleep every night. If you habitually feel tired during the day, odds are good you’re not getting enough sleep.
Sleep disorders are responsible for some serious quality of life issues including:
- Being more susceptible to health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
- Suffering from irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating
- More vulnerable to accidents at work, home, or on the road more
How Do You Know If You Have a Sleep Disorder?
Sleep disorders can cause problems in getting enough restful sleep. However, they each have their own symptoms. If you notice these symptoms on a regular basis, medical advice could help. A disorder can usually be diagnosed if symptoms persist for 2-4 weeks.
For example, people who find they spend 2-3 hours lying in bed awake at night are experiencing sleep onset insomnia. Those who wake up after 2-3 of sleep, on the other hand, are suffering sleep maintenance insomnia. Some people may even have both.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is characterized by difficulty breathing at night. Brief pauses in breathing may be unnoticeable to that person. However, many people with sleep apnea snore loudly or may have short “micro-wake” periods throughout the night. Fatigue that persists even once you believe you’ve slept 8-9 hours may indicate sleep apnea.
Signs of Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy presents intense drowsiness throughout the day. Episodes may be sudden. They are sometimes so severe that the person who suffers from narcolepsy falls asleep without noticing it. Coffee and other methods of staying awake are of limited effectiveness.
Signs of Circadian Rhythm Disorders
The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal “sleep-wake” clock. When it becomes disrupted, a person’s internal rhythm is affected. If you find you are not fully alert until 6 p.m. or not ready to go to sleep until 4 a.m., you may have a circadian rhythm disorder.
If you believe you have any of the symptoms of a sleep disorder, you may need a sleep study. A sleep study is the first step to uncovering the problem, getting treatment, and finding your way to restful sleep. To find out more, contact Sleep & Neuroscience Associates today.
