Learn about the types and diagnoses of sleep disorders
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Most people suffer from sleeping disorders but do not know that they are sick. Generally, various factors might result in sleeping disorders like night shifts. Working at night disrupts your sleeping patterns because your body and brain adjust to being awake during the night, leading to sleep deprivation. Therefore, if you have problems with sleeping and are interested in seeking help, a board-certified family nurse practitioner Falls Church, VA, and other specialists are here to your rescue. The specialists use a variety of diagnostic sleep tests to help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. Below is all you need to know to know concerning sleep disorders.
What are sleep disorders?
They are conditions that affect your overall health because they affect the quality, duration, and sleep time. These disorders alter your ability to function when you are awake. Sleep deprivation also predisposes you to other medical conditions and may also indicate an underlying mental problem. Therefore, your health care providers focus on diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders, including:
- Narcolepsy
It refers to a neurological condition that causes one to fall into a deep sleep during the day. It is also characterized by uncontrollable episodes of sleep attacks or falling asleep.
- Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects most people, especially when stressed or unwell. It is characterized by trouble remaining asleep or falling asleep. Insomnia also makes you wake up very early in the morning.
- Restless leg syndrome
It is a condition where you experience a prickly sensation or tingling in your legs when falling asleep. It causes an uncontrollable and intense urge to move your legs for relief.
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea leads to abnormal breathing patterns when you are asleep. It makes one gasp and snow loudly while asleep.
- Other disorders
Additional sleep disorders include parasomnia, which results in unusual behaviors like sleep talking, walking, or eating. Hypersomnia is another sleep disorder that leads to extreme daytime sleepiness.
How are sleep disorders diagnosed?
Examples of diagnostic sleep tests include:
- Positive airway pressure titration study
Commonly used with people diagnosed with sleep-related breathing disorder or sleep apnea to help determine the amount of pressure needed for a positive airway pressure machine.
- Polysomnogram
It monitors your sleep habits in a sleep lab throughout the night. Tiny sensors are usually placed on different body parts to monitor and record your brain waves, muscle activity, respiratory flow, and other body functions.
- Home sleep study
Mainly it uses a portable monitoring device that you carry at home to read and record your sleep.
- Nap studies
These studies are commonly performed during the day. They are used to help diagnose hypersomnia and narcolepsy because they measure your level of daytime sleepiness.
How are sleep disorders treated?
After diagnosing your sleep disorder, your health care provider creates a personalized treatment plan. The treatment option depends on your condition and may include behavioral therapies or pharmacotherapy.
Sleep disorders can increase your chances of developing other medical conditions like hypertension. They also affect how you carry on with your activities, especially if full alertness is needed, like in driving. Therefore, if you are experiencing trouble while falling or remaining asleep and seek medical help, you can get started by calling or consulting Integrated Neurology Services today for more information.
