About Sleep Disorders
Getting enough rest is a cornerstone of good health. In fact, not getting enough sleep can have a dramatic impact on your well-being, increasing your risk of motor vehicle accidents, work-related injuries, and chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. While healthy sleep habits can improve your quality of sleep, millions of Americans suffer from sleep disorders that make it impossible to get the sleep they need.
If you struggle with sleep, schedule an appointment with your SSM Health provider today to discuss your concerns and determine the steps you can take to improve your sleep.
Common Sleep Disorders
The most common sleep disorders include:
- Bedwetting
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Night Terrors
- Periodic limb movement
- Restless leg syndrome
- Sleep apnea and snoring
- Sleepwalking
Signs & Symptoms of a Sleep Disorder
Common signs and symptoms of sleep disorders include:
- Snoring
- Gasping for air
- High blood pressure
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- “Creepy-crawly” feeling in the legs when resting
- Any unusual activity that disturbs you, or your partner’s sleep
How Do I Know if I Have a Sleep Disorder?
If you consistently feel tired during the day despite getting enough sleep or routinely wake up feeling unrested, you may have a sleep disorder. Schedule an appointment with your SSM Health provider to discuss your results.
If your physician thinks you may have a sleep disorder, you may need a sleep study, a specialized overnight test used to diagnose sleep disorders.
How Are Sleep Disorders Treated?
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment for sleep disorders can include medication, changes in work schedule or daily habits, or even weight loss.
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, a nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask may be prescribed to relieve upper-airway obstruction.
To make sure your treatment plan is effective, you may be asked to return to the SSM Health Sleep Center for a follow-up visit or repeat sleep testing in order to monitor your progress.
Most sleep disorders can be treated successfully. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of sleep problems can greatly improve your quality of life and overall health, so don’t delay asking for help if you struggle with sleep.
When you choose SSM Health for your sleep care, you are choosing specialized, comprehensive care. Our team of sleep specialists will work closely with your primary care physician to ensure the long-term success of your sleep disorder treatment. Schedule an appointment today to meet with an SSM Health physician who will customize a plan for you so you can feel rested and ready for your day.