Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy and balanced life. However, it is also one of the main things that many people take for granted when it comes to their health. According to The Cleveland Clinic, in the United States, 70 million people are suffering from a sleep disorder. If you feel that you are not getting quality sleep and you believe that you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, seeing a sleep disorder doctor can help you regain a good night’s sleep and get quality rest.
What is a Sleep Disorder?
A sleep disorder is a condition that impacts a person’s quality and duration of sleep and affects their ability to lead a fully functioning life while they are awake. A sleep disorder can lead to other medical issues and can also be indicative of a mental health disorder.
Symptoms of a sleep disorder:
- Waking up in the middle of the night
- Daytime tiredness
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Finding it difficult to perform normal daily activities
- Difficulty concentrating
The Most Common Sleep Disorders
According to The Cleveland Clinic, there are more than 80 different sleep disorders, however, they state that the most common sleep disorders are:
- Sleep Apnea
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Restless legs syndrome
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a very serious disorder in which a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by blockage, usually soft tissue collapsing in the back of the throat during sleep. Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain intermittently stops telling the body to breathe during sleep.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a condition in which a person has trouble falling and staying asleep. Insomnia can be long-term or short-term and in some cases can be associated with psychiatric disorders.
What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in which a person has excessive daytime sleepiness and falls asleep uncontrollably during the daytime. Narcolepsy occurs most often in teenagers and young adults and is often left undiagnosed.
What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome is when a person has an irresistible urge to move their legs. As restless leg syndrome typically occurs at night, it causes trouble falling and staying asleep.
The Importance of Good Sleep For Your Health
Sleep is one of the cornerstones of good health. It provides innumerable health benefits including:
- Boosted immune system
- Reduced risk of health issues
- More stable mood
- Better focus
- Reduced stress
How a Sleep Disorder Doctor Can Help
While millions of Americans continue to suffer from these disorders, you don’t have to. A sleep disorder doctor can diagnose your disorder and offer treatment options so that you can regain quality sleep. A sleep disorder doctor will give you a thorough examination and prescribe an overnight study if necessary. Based on these results your sleep disorder doctor will work with you to formulate a treatment plan to help you conquer your sleep disorder and reclaim restful sleep.
Charlotte Sleep Disorder Doctor and Staff Can Help You Get Better Sleep
Dr. Gingras, of Gingras Sleep Medicine, is a prominent sleep doctor in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has treated many people who suffer from sleep disorders and has helped them regain quality sleep. Book an appointment at the Gingras sleep clinic in Charlotte or Concord by visiting our website or calling the office at (704) 944-0562.