Common Signs For Concern
Feeling a dip in your energy levels during the day is normal. But excessive daytime sleepiness isn’t. Once your urge to fall asleep starts to interfere with your day-to-day activities and you’re an adult who goes to bed on time but still gets less than seven hours of sleep at night, you might need to see a sleep specialist. Aside from the excessive need to take naps all day, you may be more than just “tired” if you:
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Snore loudly.
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Doze off involuntarily.
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Have slowed responses.
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Fall asleep while driving.
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Have trouble concentrating.
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Have problems with memory.
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Kick your legs while sleeping.
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Have difficulty controlling emotions.
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Struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep.
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Tingling sensation or crawling feelings in your legs.
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Snort, gasp, or make choking sounds while sleeping.
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Suffer from depression.
There are also health issues that can give you an increased risk of developing a sleep disorder. These conditions include diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, and lung problems. It’s highly advisable to be evaluated for a sleep disorder if you have received a diagnosis of any of these medical issues. Studies also show that smokers don’t sleep as well as non-smokers.
Tips For Better Sleep
With approximately 80 sleep disorders known to date, it’s impossible to make a self-diagnosis for this condition. It’s best to keep track of your symptoms with a sleep diary for a couple of weeks. This will help give you an idea of whether the signs are of sleep deprivation or a potential sleep disorder.
Talking to a sleep expert is vital to get an accurate diagnosis. Equally important is developing good sleeping habits. If you have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, it’s even more crucial for you to:
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoon.
- Get regular exercise to reduce nighttime restlessness.
- Stick to a schedule for when you go to bed and what time you should wake up.
- Go outside for natural light, so you can train your brain to know when it’s time to go to bed.
- Create a relaxing space with no distractions at least an hour before you sleep.
Many sleep disorders can impact your overall health and daily functioning. That’s why it’s essential to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional. This way, treatment can begin when necessary. Do you suspect that you may have a sleep disorder? Talk to our sleep specialists at Dream in Del Mar today. We will review your symptoms and recommend a sleep test. Call our office in Del Mar, California at (858) 755-1166 to schedule your consultation.