Feeling tired all the time is not just about not getting enough sleep. For many people, constant fatigue is a sign of an underlying problem, such as a sleep disorder. These conditions can interfere with your body’s ability to rest and recharge, even if you think you are getting enough hours in bed.
If you regularly wake up feeling exhausted, struggle with focus, or crash halfway through your day, this blog will help you understand why that might be happening. By exploring common sleep disorders and their signs and when to seek help from a sleep doctor, we will provide you with the tools to take control of your sleep health.
What Are Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are health conditions that affect your ability to sleep well regularly. Many people mislabel sleep issues as “bad habits,” but sleep disorders often go much deeper, stemming from physical or psychological causes. They make it nearly impossible to get restful and restorative sleep, and over time, untreated sleep disorders can negatively impact your health and well-being.
Types of Sleep Disorders
There are many sleep disorders, but the following are the most common. Each impacts your rest differently and requires different treatments.
Insomnia
Insomnia is one of the most well-known sleep disorders that causes trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and not being able to fall asleep again.
Insomnia can leave you feeling unrefreshed and tired throughout the day. Chronic insomnia lasts for a month or longer and often requires help from a sleep doctor to treat.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can happen dozens, or sometimes hundreds, of times a night.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form and is often linked to snoring and choking sounds as your airway closes. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, CPAP machines, or even surgery.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, especially at night when you are lying down.
The sensation can feel like tingling, burning, or crawling, keeping you awake and disrupting your sleep. If RLS affects you, consult a sleep doctor for relief.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a disorder that impacts the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may fall asleep suddenly, even during activities like driving or working.
A sleep doctor can help with diagnosis and treatment, including medications to manage symptoms.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Your internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, governs your sleep-wake cycle. When it becomes out of sync, it leads to issues like delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPS) or irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder.
This often needs behavioral therapy or light therapy under the guidance of a sleep doctor.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias include unusual behaviors that occur during sleep, such as sleepwalking, night terrors, and sleep talking. While these do not always cause sleep deprivation, they can disrupt a partner’s sleep or even lead to safety concerns.
Signs You May Have a Sleep Disorder
Below are some key signs that might indicate you have an underlying sleep disorder and could benefit from consulting a sleep doctor in Reno or in your local area.
You Feel Tired No Matter How Much You Sleep
If you routinely sleep for seven to nine hours every night but still wake up tired, there may be a deeper issue.
Disorders like sleep apnea disrupt your sleep cycle without you even realizing it, leaving you fatigued despite adequate hours of sleep.
You Rely on Coffee or Energy Drinks to Function
Many people consume caffeine to stay alert, but relying excessively on stimulants to make it through the day may point to a sleep problem.
Sleep disorders interfere with your natural energy levels, making even basic daily tasks feel draining.
Your Partner Complains About Your Snoring or Other Noises
Loud and persistent snoring can be an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where your airway repeatedly becomes blocked, causing you to stop breathing for short periods.
Grinding your teeth, gasping, or struggling for breath during sleep can also be warning signs.
You Struggle to Stay Awake During the Day
Feeling drowsy during meetings, at work, or behind the wheel of a car may indicate excessive daytime sleepiness.
Conditions like narcolepsy or circadian rhythm disorders can affect your body’s ability to regulate sleep at the correct times.
Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep
For those with insomnia, the bedroom can become a source of frustration rather than relaxation. If you toss and turn for hours every night or frequently wake up in the middle of the night, a sleep doctor can help determine if you are experiencing insomnia.
Unexplained Mood Changes
Sleep plays a crucial role in emotional regulation. A chronic lack of restful sleep can lead to irritability, anxiety, or even depression. Sometimes, treating a sleep disorder can markedly improve mood and mental health.
Why You Should Consult a Sleep Doctor
A sleep doctor can guide you toward better sleep health if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Sleep doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating the root causes of sleep disorders, providing you with a comprehensive treatment plan geared toward long-term success.
Professional Diagnosis Matters
You may think that you can handle sleep issues on your own with over-the-counter remedies, but sleep disorders often require detailed testing and personalized care. For example, a polysomnogram (sleep study) can help determine if you have sleep apnea or other conditions that affect your sleep quality.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Treatments vary depending on the sleep disorder. A sleep doctor might recommend lifestyle adjustments, CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, or specific medications for certain types of hypersomnia.
For less severe cases, they may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to improve sleep habits.
Sleep Doctor in Reno-Sparks, Nevada
Do not suffer through sleepless nights or exhausting days any longer.
At MelioREM Sleep Clinic, we specialize in treating sleep disorders with compassionate care and advanced diagnostic tools. Whether you struggle with insomnia, sleep apnea, or any other sleep issue, our team, led by board-certified and fellowship-trained sleep medicine physician and internist Dr. Innocent C. Ezenwa, is here to help you wake up refreshed.
Call us today at (775) 557-4900 for more information about sleep disorders. A healthier, happier you starts with better sleep.
