Your Carlsbad doctor would be the first to tell you that getting enough sleep is important. Unfortunately, there are a number of sleep disorders that can prevent you or your partner from getting a full eight hours. This can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue and anxiety. Below are the three most common issues.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder affects nearly 60 percent of adults, making it the most common. Symptoms of this disorder include difficulty falling asleep and problems with waking up before you need to. Stress and underlying medical conditions are usually the cause of insomnia. Treatments include sleeping pills and behavioral therapy. Your Carlsbad doctor can review good sleeping habits, such as limiting screen time.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is the second most common sleep disorder, affecting nearly 20 million Americans. It is classified
by experiencing one or more pauses in your breathing or shallow breathing while sleeping. These pauses can last for a few seconds or up to a few minutes. While breathing usually begins again, it is often accompanied by snorting or choking.
Additional symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- A dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Attention problems
- Irritability
More serious problems can occur such as high blood pressure or heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, stroke or liver problems. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) or an oral appliance are the typical treatments for this condition.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder affects as many as 250,000 Americans. It can lead to periods of intense sleepiness during the daytime hours. Those who suffer from this condition can fall asleep for brief periods of time during the day, often in the middle of a conversation, during a meal or even when driving a vehicle. Medications are the typical treatment for this condition.
Difficulty sleeping should not be taken lying down. Contact the best ENT in Carlsbad to find relief.