It’s a fact that modern life is busy. Between hectic work and family schedules, adopting a healthy sleep routine can be extremely difficult. However, too many late nights and early mornings can have a negative impact on your physical and emotional health.
According to the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, there are over 100 different types of sleep disorders ranging from difficulty sleeping at night to problems with excessive daytime sleepiness. Because of this, it is extremely important to receive the correct diagnosis and work with a qualified sleep specialist to develop a treatment plan. But how do you know when it’s time to visit a sleep specialist?
Your work life is suffering.
Not getting a good night’s rest can create a lot of stress. You are stressed at work due to lack of sleep, and in turn, that stress makes it more difficult to fall asleep, resulting in a vicious cycle! Anxiety and stress can make it difficult to relax at night, and when your night is restless, your wakeful life will feel groggy, overwhelming, and you will find it difficult to concentrate at work. If you have trouble breaking this cycle on your own, with lifestyle adjustments such as creating and sticking to a sleep schedule, you would probably benefit from seeing a sleep specialist.
Your home life is suffering.
When you suffer from a sleep disorder, it can have a negative impact on your mood and behavior. Common symptoms of sleep disorders include irritability and apathy, which can make family relations difficult. Also, some sleep disorders, like restless legs syndrome (RLS) and snoring, may not only negatively impact your sleep, but your partners as well. If you find that your sleep problems are impacting your family life and/or your partners sleep, it will likely benefit you to visit a sleep specialist.
Symptoms are persistent or you develop new symptoms.
You may not find sleep deprivation worrisome at first, but if it becomes a persistent problem, it can lead to more serious effects. Common sleep disorder symptoms include:
- Persistent daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Falling asleep through the day
• Loud snoring and pauses in breathing
• Un-refreshing sleep
• Morning headaches
• Physically acting out dreams during sleep
If you have been experiencing these symptoms, and they are not improving with self-help methods, you may want to see a sleep specialist. The quicker your symptoms can be addressed, the sooner you will experience restful sleep once more.
The problem is worrying you.
If you have only just recently been having trouble sleeping, you may find that simple lifestyle changes can help eliminate your symptoms and get you back to sleeping restfully throughout the night. Keeping a sleep diary may help you determine where you need to make changes in your life. However, if the problems are causing you extra worry and stress, it may disturb your sleep further. If you are worried about your nighttime disturbances, discussing your fears with a sleep specialist may be just what you need. They can evaluate your symptoms, review your sleep diary, and help you determine a course of action that will help you live a well-rested life.
The solution.
If your sleep is being impacted frequently and significantly by any of the above symptoms you will likely benefit from a consultation with one of the sleep specialists at Valley Sleep Center. Some sleep disorders can be difficult to diagnose and require testing to determine the exact disorder you are suffering from. If this is the case, postponing a visit will only delay the time it takes to diagnose your problem and set you on the right path for better sleep.
Valley Sleep Center provides diagnostic testing for a multitude of sleep-related disorders including insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, hypertension, sleepwalking, and pediatric sleep problems. Our physicians are Board Certified Sleep Medicine Specialists and are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. For more information, go to www.valleysleepcenter.com or call 480.830.3900 to schedule your appointment today.
