Identifying Your Sleep Disorder Your primary care physician plays an important role in recognizing sleep disorders and helping you receive appropriate treatment. Even though half of all Americans report they do not sleep well, only about one third have mentioned it to their physician. If you are not sleeping well, talk to your physician.
Here are some questions to ask yourself that may be helpful in determining if you would benefit from a sleep consultation:
Are you a restless sleeper?
Do you snore loudly or heavily through the night?
Does your bed partner report pauses in your breathing at night?
Do your legs kick or jerk at night?
Do you wake up with a dry mouth or a headache?
Do you wake up refreshed or still tired?
Do you fall asleep unintentionally or nap during the day?
Do you lack energy or does sleepiness interfere with your work or social life?
Do you usually sleep more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period?
Do you have problems with short-term memory, focus, or concentration?
Are you tense, irritable, or depressed during the day due to lack of sleep?
This section looks at some common sleep disorder diagnoses and
their causes.
