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Do you have a sleeping disorder, or are you just having a couple of hard months?
Everyone has days and times when they struggle with falling asleep. It could be after a few days of staying awake to beat assignment deadlines or to complete work projects. Regardless, everyone has experienced sleeplessness and sleep deprivation. In fact, more than 70 percent of adult Brits don’t get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep every night. So, it is sometimes difficult to draw the line between temporary sleeplessness and a full-blown sleep disorder.
This difficulty differentiating between both might also be why many Brits haven’t checked to see if they have a sleep disorder. The million-dollar question then becomes, when do you know you have a sleeping disorder?
At the end of this article, you should know if you have a sleeping disorder or if your sleeplessness is just a phase.
Let’s begin with what a sleeping disorder is.
What Is A Sleeping Disorder?
A sleeping disorder is a condition that changes the sleep pattern of the sufferer on a long-term basis. The key word with sleep disorders is long-term. Sleeplessness doesn’t become insomnia or any other sleeping disorder until it becomes a regular occurrence.
Not being able to sleep isn’t the only symptom of a sleeping disorder. Sleep disorders affect the length, quality and time of sleep. A person with a sleep disorder like sleep apnea could be sleeping on time at night but getting low-quality sleep. Some sleep disorders make people oversleep, while others cause sleep deprivation.
What signs point to a possible sleeping disorder?
Signs You Have A Sleeping Order
If you notice the following signs, there’s a possibility that you have a sleep disorder.
- Taking regular long naps during the day;
- Battling sleeplessness for more than 30 minutes every night;
- Snoring, gasping, or choking noises when you sleep;
- Struggling with tiredness and irritability every morning, even after getting enough sleep the night before;
- Consistently waking up in the early morning hours and having trouble falling back to sleep;
- Needing stimulants like caffeine to keep you awake and alert during the day;
- Waking up in the night and having difficulty falling asleep again;
- Difficulty focusing at work or school;
- Urge to move your legs at night.
These are the common symptoms of sleep disorders, but how do you know for sure that you have a sleep disorder?
How To Diagnose Sleeping Disorders
There are two ways to diagnose a sleeping disorder.
Self-Diagnosis
Diagnosing yourself is never a good idea, and medical doctors would tell you that. However, self-diagnosis can be the first step to finding out what’s wrong with you.
To self-diagnose, start a sleep journal where you record your sleep time, quality, and length every day for a few weeks. Note down any important information. If you use sleep aid apps for iPhone that track sleep, you might also want to keep a log of the data they collect. Your journal will reveal factors that affect your sleep, and you can make lifestyle changes to correct any sleeping disorder. See a doctor with your journal is still advisable to get a medical diagnosis.
Medical Diagnosis
A medical diagnosis is the most recommended route for diagnosing sleep disorders and getting treatment. Visit a doctor with your sleep journal and explain your symptoms. Your doctor might need to run more tests at a sleep lab, but you will get an eventual diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Medical diagnoses are recommended partly because of the treatment plan. A medical treatment plan is designed to help you without any side effects and is much safer than a self-treatment plan.
There are also different physical behavioral and psychological methods that can be effective in treating sleep disorders. These non-medical treatment plans can include cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like focused breathing, guided imagery, yoga, tai chi and mindful meditation with the help of top meditation apps.
Who Is At Risk For Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders affect everyone, but some people are more at risk than others. You should be alert if you fall into any of the groups above.
You’re at risk for sleep disorders if you:
- Are over 40 years old;
- Are overweight or obese;
- A frequent traveller;
- Work unconventional hours;
- Are under a lot of stress.
Conclusion
Sleep disorders are common, but they can be hard to differentiate from poor sleep habits. If you relate to many of the signs above, start a sleep journal and make an appointment with your doctor. If you notice just one or two of these symptoms, change your lifestyle to improve your sleep health. Use fall asleep apps, avoid caffeinated beverages, and adopt a healthy sleep schedule.
