Sleep Disorders
SLEEP DISORDERS affect millions of people. Some are common; some are rare. Almost all are treatable when properly diagnosed. Many people suffer for years without knowing they have a condition. Recognizing the signs is the first step to feeling better. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy.
Major disorders. INSOMNIA: trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. The most common sleep disorder. Treatments include CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, very effective), sleep hygiene improvements, sometimes medication. SLEEP APNEA: breathing repeatedly stops during sleep (often dozens of times/hour). Causes daytime exhaustion, raises heart disease risk. CPAP machines treat it well. NARCOLEPSY: extreme sudden sleepiness, sometimes "sleep attacks." RESTLESS LEGS: urge to move legs at night, disrupts sleep. PARASOMNIAS: sleepwalking, night terrors. Some need professional help.
Sleep apnea is often UNDIAGNOSED for years. Why?
When to see a doctor. (1) Persistent trouble falling/staying asleep affecting daytime function. (2) Loud snoring, gasping, breathing pauses (especially with daytime fatigue). (3) Falling asleep during conversations or driving. (4) Waking unrefreshed despite "enough" sleep. (5) Acting out dreams physically. Sleep medicine is a real specialty. Sleep studies (polysomnography) can diagnose many conditions. Don't suffer silently.
Sleep Check
Reflect on your sleep. How long does it take you to fall asleep? Do you wake during the night? How do you feel in the morning? Are partners complaining about snoring? If sleep is poor, talk to a doctor.
Sleep disorders are treatable. Most people who get treatment feel dramatically better. Sleep is too important to leave broken.
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