Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are conditions that result in changes in the way that you sleep. Common types of sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia – difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night
- Sleep apnea – experiencing abnormal patterns in breathing while asleep
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS) – a sleep movement disorder that affects the legs
- Narcolepsy – a condition characterized by extreme sleepiness during the day and falling asleep suddenly during the day
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of sleep disorders include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Trouble falling asleep at night
- Falling asleep at inappropriate times
- Breathing in an unusual pattern
- Feeling the urge to move while falling asleep
- Unusual or bothersome movements while sleeping
- Irregular sleep and wake cycle
Diagnosis
There are many ways for a Deborah Heart and Lung Center sleep specialist to help sleep disorders. Suggesting the patient undergo a sleep study is usually the first step.
Is Poor Sleep Affecting Your Health?
Regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes – and it shortens your life expectancy. It’s now clear that a solid night’s sleep is essential for a long and healthy life.