When You Should Contact Your Doctor About Sleep Issues
Around one in every three people have at least brief symptoms of insomnia, and around 10% of the population has a chronic insomnia disorder, which means it happens at least three times a week for a period of three months.
There are plenty of things that you can to do try and improve your environment for sleeping, but sometimes, medical intervention is necessary.
Centers Health Care has a look at five conditions that can improve and be resolved with the help of a doctor and sleep specialists.
- Insomnia
As we mentioned, insomnia can sometimes be managed or cured by taking steps like cutting back on caffeine in the afternoon and evening, putting away electronic devices, and going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Occasionally, however, those interventions aren’t enough. Doctors can try cognitive behavioral therapy, work with you on sleep hygiene, and prescribe medication if deemed necessary.
- Sleep Apnea
If you feel like you’re getting enough sleep each night but are consistently tired throughout the day, sleep apnea may be the culprit. If you sleep with a partner, ask if they notice loud snoring, snorts, and gasps that are common in sleep apnea sufferers but may not actually wake up the person experiencing it.
- Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition that comes with a strong urge to move your legs, especially at night and laying down. Sometimes, something as simple as a magnesium deficiency can be the cause, but other times, it can be more difficult for doctors to pinpoint why this is happening.
- Anxiety
Anxiety can keep people up at night, and then knowing you’re not sleeping and will be sleep-deprived the next day can cause even more anxiety, triggering a vicious cycle. If your anxiety is more general and not strictly focused on sleep, you should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Hot Flashes
Hot flashes can occur at any time, including while a woman is sleeping—and we all know how difficult it is to sleep when you’re hot and sweaty. Keeping the bedroom cooler can help, but if that’s not working, there are hormone treatments available that may offer relief.
