These days, sleep problems are common. Many people struggle to get the sleep they need and feel rested in the morning. In fact, an estimated 25% of Americans suffer from a lack of sleep some of the time, while 10% experience insomnia. It can be hard to know when your sleep frustrations warrant medical help. If you have symptoms of a sleep disorder, however, it’s critical that you get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
So how do you know when to pursue a sleep study?
- You Can’t Shake the Urge to Move Your Legs
Tingling, uncomfortable or painful feelings in your legs during sleep could be a sign of Restless Leg Syndrome. This condition is caused by a lack of iron in your blood or an imbalance of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that carries messages between nerve cells. During sleep study center Houston TX, your physician will monitor for limb movements and check for associated conditions that intensify Restless Leg Syndrome.
- Your Snores Bring Down the House
If your snoring is so intense it keeps you or others awake, there may be a deeper problem. Sleep apnea is a disorder marked by snoring or gasping that occurs when the back of the throat narrows during sleep, occasionally preventing air from reaching your lungs. Heart or nasal conditions are often at the root of sleep apnea. Sleep studies monitor breathing, blood oxygen and other vitals to detect sleep apnea.
- Your Body Acts Our Your Dreams
During REM sleep, your body is usually paralyzed. If you act out your dreams and kick, flail, walk, talk, or yell in your sleep, you may have REM sleep behavior disorder. Dream-enacting often accompanies vivid dreams such as nightmares. This disorder is often caused by an underlying neurological condition. During a sleep study, your physician may pay extra attention to eye and limb movements.
Healthy sleep is critical to your well-being and quality of life. Recognizing the signs that you would benefit from a sleep study takes you one step closer to the right treatment and a good night’s rest.