Do You Suffer From a Sleeping Disorder?

Do you suffer from constant fatigue, poor concentration, or memory loss? Do you take naps during the day or fall asleep while you are watching television, driving, or sitting idle? If so, you may be one of over 33% of the entire population that suffers from a sleep disorder. Many people chalk these symptoms up to stress, anxiety, or being overworked but in reality many times they are suffering from sleep disorders without even realizing it.

Sleeping disorders are any condition that occurs on a frequent basis that interferes with a normal, restful night’s sleep. They can be extremely disruptive to an individual’s everyday life and they can take a toll on their overall health. If left untreated long enough, they can cause other serious illnesses, such as high blood pressure or heart problems. Unfortunately, in many cases sleeping disorders are not diagnosed until well after the diagnosis of more serious problems.

There are so many minor symptoms that present themselves with sleeping disorders. These minor symptoms can be a precursor to something that is much more serious, so it is important to recognize them. They include snoring loudly, weight gain, restlessness while sleeping, waking up feeling just as tired as you did when you went to bed, or waking up with a bad headache. Also, those who suffer from sleeping disorders tend to feel extremely fatigued throughout the day and often require at least one, if not several, naps to function even somewhat normally. Some other side effects include irritability, impulsive behavior, excessive frustration, and the inability to focus or concentrate on simple tasks. Not everyone exhibits every single one of these symptoms but most sufferers have at least one or two of them.

Sleeping disorders do not discriminate. They can affect any one at any time without regard to race, gender, or age. However, women are twice as likely to suffer from these disorders than men, especially if they are pregnant or are going through menopause. Even children are not immune from them. They can suffer from night terrors, nightmares, bed-wetting, and sleep apnea.

Fortunately, there is a test that can detect sleeping disorders. Generally, this will require spending a night or two in a sleep clinic to undergo a sleep study, also known as a Polysomnogram or PSG. The PSG works by using electrodes to record electrical signals that are emitted from the brain and muscles. These electrical signals are then converted to digital signals that can be read and interpreted by a sleep specialist to determine whether or not there is a sleep disorder present and if there is, he/she can also determine how severe it is. There are four different types of studies done with the PSG:

o The Diagnostic Overnight PSG is just general sleep monitoring and evaluation overnight.
o The Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Test measures the level of sleepiness during daytime hours. This test is used in diagnosing Narcolepsy and it usually done immediately following the Diagnostic Overnight PSG.
o The Two Night PSG with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Titration is a two-night study with the Diagnostic Overnight PSG taking place on the first night. If a patient is positively diagnosed with mild sleep apnea on the first night they are administered a (CPAP) machine on the second night.
o The Split Night PSG with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Titration is the same study as the Two Night PSG with the exception that everything is done in one night. This is only done if the patient is found to have moderate to severe sleep apnea.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from a sleeping disorder, do not ignore it. Sleeping disorders can be dangerous and in some cases even deadly. They are not something to mess around with. Go see your doctor and get a referral for a sleep study. Even if the PSG shows nothing, at least you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleeping disorders today. To learn more about sleep apnea treatments , visit http://www.sleepapneaassitance.com today.