It’s very common to have bouts of insufficient sleep. However, if you find yourself having prolonged periods of restless nights, you may have a more serious underlying problem. If a sleep disorder is suspected, once it’s properly diagnosed by our Sleep Lab specialists at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, you could be on your way to peaceful slumber.
Not sleeping well? Here are five common symptoms of sleep disorders.
1. You experience daytime sleepiness, even with a full 8 hours of sleep
You make sure you’re in bed for a full eight hours, but you find yourself easily falling asleep during ordinary daytime tasks such as watching TV, working on the computer, commuting, or reading. You may be unknowingly masking these symptoms, too, by reaching for a cup of coffee or an energy drink whenever you feel lethargic.
2. You snore, choke, or gasp in your sleep
Although snoring is not a telltale sign of a sleep disorder, if it occurs in conjunction with choking, gasping, or worse, you stop breathing, you may have a serious condition called sleep apnea. This may be due to your airway being blocked during sleep or because your brain fails to send signals to your breathing muscles. Ask your partner if you experience any of these symptoms while you sleep and consult a doctor immediately if you do.
3. You have a difficult time falling or staying asleep
You’ve tried going to bed early. You’ve stopped drinking caffeine. But you still have a hard time falling asleep and may even feel the urge to urinate often. If you do fall asleep, you have fits of tossing and turning. Insomnia may be the cause and should be investigated by a sleep specialist.
4. You experience i rritability, depression, or mood swings
Lack of sleep may also cause you to become quick to temper, unmotivated and lethargic, or experience personality changes. Although these symptoms may seem unrelated to a sleep disorder, if your body is unable to repair itself during a good night’s sleep, you’ll stop feeling like your usual self.
5. You have nighttime or morning headaches
If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night or in the morning with a headache, don’t jump to the conclusion that it’s a migraine. It may be caused by a combination of oxygen deprivation and carbon dioxide buildup in the brain, which is responsible for the headaches. You should feel at your best when waking after a full night’s sleep, not in pain.
Testing and treating sleep disorders at Bumrungrad International Hospital’s Sleep Lab
The Bumrungrad International Hospital’s Sleep Lab at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand is a comprehensive clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. We offer consultations, examinations of the nose, mouth, throat, and palate, as well as general sleep assessments. We also offer snoring assessments and diagnosis in addition to the testing and treatment of insomnia, nocturnal leg movement, and teeth grinding or clenching.
The majority of our patients suffer from sleep apnea, a condition that is most often solved without surgery but instead with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device). Our sleep specialists will ensure proper fittings and instructions on how to use this machine, which is worn at night while you sleep. While CPAP is the most common treatment, some patients may also need surgery or dental procedures.
To ensure you get the quality sleep you need, schedule an appointment today at +66 2011 2222, Monday through Sunday. Our Sleep Lab is located on Bumrungrad International Hospital’s 9th floor, North Wing.
By Dr. Benjamas Intarapoka, Pulmonologist, Sleep Lab, Bumrungrad Hospital
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