We could all use a bit of extra sleep these days. Sleep is so important because it affects so many aspects of our lives, and no matter how young or old you are, you can escape the results of sleep deprivation.
Did you know that there are other long-term health problems that are often associated with sleep disorders? Hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and stroke have been shown to be linked to undiagnosed sleep disorders. This is why it is so important to discuss any sleep problems with your doctor.
Take a look at the following signs of difficulty with sleeping. If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, then you may be suffering from a sleep disorder.
Have you been told that your snore? Snoring can be a sign that you are not sleeping well.
Do you have frequent headaches in the morning? A lack of enough oxygen while you sleep may be causing this.
Do you sometimes wake up gasping for breath or have others told you that you gasp in the middle of the night? You may have stopped breathing in your sleep for a short time.
Do you have trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep? You might think that sleep deprivation will mean that you can fall asleep quickly, but often, this is not the case.
Do you have high blood pressure?
Do you wake up with heartburn? It could be affecting your breathing while you sleep.
Do you feel an overwhelming urge to sleep at inappropriate times, such as in the middle of work or school? Do you actually fall asleep at these times? This can be a good indication that you are sleep deprived.
If your doctor does feel that your condition requires further investigation, you will probably be referred to a sleep center for a sleep study.