Sleep is essential to your overall health. Your body has time to recover and repair from your daily activities. Your mental well-being can also be affected by a lack of sleep. However, missing hours doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the type of sleep your body needs.
Sleep quality is also crucial for your overall well-being. So, when you’re feeling tired continuously throughout the day or having trouble falling and staying asleep at night, does this mean Texas residents should make an appointment with a sleep medicine specialist in Houston?
Sometimes, the answer is yes, and other times the answer is no. If you’re not sure if now’s the time to see a sleep specialist, here are some signs that may indicate now’s the time to make an appointment.
What is a Sleep Specialist?
If you’re unsure of what a sleep specialist does, these medical professionals focus on diagnosing and treating disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome, to name a few. Most sleep specialists are neurologists, psychiatrists, or pulmonologists who have also undergone training in sleep medicine practices.
A sleep specialist shouldn’t be confused with a surgeon. A sleep surgeon is typically an ENT (otolaryngologist) who specializes in sleep disorders caused by blockages in the ears, nose, and throat.
Some of the surgeries they commonly perform often deal with conditions like sleep apnea. Consistent snoring may be another reason surgery is a viable treatment option.
Common Signs It’s Time to See a Sleep Specialist
Having trouble falling asleep at night is a common problem that many people encounter in their lives. For instance, you may be anxious or excited about the last or next day’s event.
Personal worries can also make it harder to fall asleep—this is normal, but it also doesn’t necessarily mean you have a sleep disorder. However, if the problem persists long after the reason for your anxiousness or excitement has passed, it may be a sign you’re dealing with a sleep disorder.
Some other signs that watch out for can include the following:
- You feel like you need a nap every day
- Struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep
- Feel tired during the day, even after getting a good night’s rest
- Finding it harder to do regular daytime activities
- Snoring loudly enough at night to consistently disturb your partner or yourself
- Fall asleep while driving
- Struggle to stay awake when inactive, such as when watching television or reading
- Difficulties paying attention or concentrating at work, school, or home
- Performance is becoming an issue at work or school
- Experience memory problems or your responses are slower than normal
- You have difficulty controlling your emotions
Another sign it’s probably time to see a sleep specialist is if you schedule your day around your naps.
However, even if you’re experiencing any of these signs, it doesn’t always mean you have a sleep disorder. Sometimes, life can disrupt your sleep patterns but this is usually temporary. Once things get back to normal or your body learns to adjust, your sleeping habits tend to return to a healthy normal.
However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you may want to consider contacting a sleep disorder specialist:
- The symptoms last longer than 4 weeks or interfere with your ability to function
- You wake up multiple times throughout the night gasping for breath
- You’re taking a new medication and its side effects include difficulty falling and staying asleep
- You notice an uncomfortable, painful sensation in your legs when trying to sleep or when your legs aren’t moving for extended periods like on long car rides on flights
- Heartburn is constant and prevents you from falling asleep
- Physical pain wakes you during the night
You’ve noticed changes in your mood, energy, and appetite. You may feel depressed or have a reduced appetite. Your lack of energy can also make you constantly feel like you need a nap. If these signs are present, it’s probably time to make an appointment with a sleep specialist.
You Can Learn A Lot From Your Sleep Habits
Your sleep habits can affect your overall health. A night or two of poor sleep usually doesn’t have a long-term effect on your overall health, however, this can change if your symptoms are persistent.
Everything from your mood to your ability to focus on simple tasks can be affected. If you believe you’re suffering from a sleep disorder, it’s best to make an appointment with a specialist.
Even if you’re not diagnosed with a sleep disorder, at least you’ll have a better idea of why it may be difficult for you to fall and stay asleep at night.