16 Oct Common Sleep Disorders
You may have heard that one of the key aspects of good health is a good night’s sleep. But if you are living with a sleep disorder, you’re probably noticing that it also interferes with other aspects of your life. If you are finding it impossible to get some rest, or difficulties going throughout your day without dozing off – it may be time to consult an expert. The neurologist in Port Jefferson, Dr. James Bruno of Three Village Neurology, can conduct a comprehensive history and order appropriate testing to detect what sleeping disorder you may have. Here are some sleep disorders that patients should seek a neurologist for.
Insomnia
You’ve probably heard of insomnia or have experienced it in very small cases. People who struggle with insomnia find it difficult to get sleep. With the lack of sleep, those who have insomnia usually also struggle with focusing on tasks, feel irritable, and lack energy. If you feel that you have been struggling to get sleep for over a month, you might have chronic insomnia and should seek help. Many people who are experiencing insomnia may find that it has an underlying cause such as a medication, illness, or problem.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome causes a discomfort in the legs that causes a strong urge to move them. These symptoms of RLS most commonly occur at night, making it difficult for people to fall asleep, classifying it as a sleeping disorder. Those struggling with RLS may find themselves sleepy and unable to focus throughout the day. RLS may have underlying causes that could be detected by a doctor.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Those who are diagnosed with OSA experience trouble breathing in their sleep. This usually occurs when something is blocking the airways and making it more difficult for the chest muscles to bring air into the lungs. Some patients notice that they may have OSA when they wake up feeling like they are gasping for air. Other less distinct symptoms of OSA include: snoring, fatigue, sore throat, irritability, depression, and restlessness. If your doctor thinks you may have obstructive sleep apnea, they may order a sleep study to be done to track your breathing patterns, heart rate, muscle activity, and brain activity.
Narcolepsy
Those who are diagnosed with narcolepsy struggle with the opposite symptoms of those with insomnia: excessive sleepiness. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in which the brain is unable to control sleep and wakefulness. Those who suffer from narcolepsy find themselves falling asleep throughout their everyday activities. This could be very dangerous for someone if they happened to fall asleep while driving. If you think you may have narcolepsy, please contact us, Three Village Neurology, your local neurologist in Port Jefferson so that we can help you manage your condition.
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is much more than just walking in your sleep. Those who find themselves sleepwalking might also be talking, running, leaving the house, engaging in unusual behavior, eating, moving objects, or in some cases driving. Waking a sleepwalker could be difficult and sometimes may cause violence on the part of the sleepwalker. When the sleepwalker wakes, they usually have no memory of the event and will continue the day feeling tired.
Do you think you might have a sleeping disorder? The neurologists in Port Jefferson can help. Contact Three Village Neurology today!