Did you ever watch cartoons as a kid? Remember the ones where the character is counting sheep trying to fall asleep? Granted, the counting sheep in the cartoons are rarely behaving but you get the idea. The cartoon character is having trouble sleeping and it’s something you can relate to.
If you’re dreaming of finally getting a good night’s sleep, there’s help beyond counting sheep. A visit to a sleep medicine specialist in Houston can help you finally sleep through the night. How do you know if it’s time to make an appointment with a Bayou City sleep specialist? If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it’s probably time to contact your healthcare provider.
Your Snoring Is Waking You Up
It’s one thing when your partner complains about your snoring. You can laugh, apologize, and suggest they get a pair of earbuds. However, it’s a little different when you’re snoring is waking you up at night. Now, it’s really embarrassing and definitely a problem. After all, no one wants to admit their snoring is the reason they’re yawning at their desk.
Your snoring may be more serious than an annoyance. It can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The medical term may not sound serious but the condition can be. This is especially true if your symptoms also include brief periods of non-breathing. When you stop breathing, your brain kicks into gear to restart your body’s systems. Now, you’re not getting quality sleep and you’re probably still snoring.
Sleep apnea can do more than disrupt your sleep. The condition can cause other serious health conditions like high blood pressure and heart issues.
You Never Feel Refreshed
You got in around 8 or 9 hours of sleep last night but you still can’t keep your eyes open. You may even find yourself dozing off at a red light. When you’re getting plenty of sleep but never feel refreshed in the morning, you may have a sleep disorder.
Sleep apnea is a condition that can leave you constantly feeling tired, regardless of how much sleep you’re getting each night. Sleep apnea is characterized by periods of sleeping and waking up. You may not remember waking up at night but it’s affecting your sleep quality.
Falling Asleep is Almost Impossible
We’re back to counting sheep or anything else that pops into your mind. If falling asleep at night is difficult, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder known as chronic insomnia.
Your insomnia can be caused by things like stress and anxiety. Depression can also make it hard to fall and stay asleep at night. Even some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can interfere with sleep patterns.
If you think your prescription medication is affecting your sleep, don’t stop taking it. Your healthcare provider prescribed the medication for a reason and you don’t want to quit taking it without medical advice. Talk to your prescribing physician about your sleep complaints. The next step is to make an appointment with a sleep medicine specialist.
You Have Unusual Behaviors While Sleeping
What’s considered unusual behavior during sleep can vary. You may think it’s weird your partner kicks the blankets off every night.
Your habit of sticking an arm up over your head in your sleep may be odd to someone else. We’re not talking about these types of unusual sleeping behaviors. Instead, we’re discussing things like sleepwalking and talking.
There’s even a medical term for this behavior, parasomnias. Talking in your sleep can be entertaining for anyone listening. Walking in your sleep can also be mildly funny. However, these behaviors can also be dangerous, especially when walking in your sleep.
Since you’re essentially acting out a dream there’s no telling where you may end up. Just imagine going to bed and waking up in your front yard without a memory of how you got there. A sleep specialist can evaluate your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and create a treatment plan that can have you sleeping safely through the night.
Treating a Health Condition and Sleep Disorder
Health conditions like diabetes and chronic pain can affect your sleep. It’s tough to fall and stay asleep when you’re always feeling pain. Unfortunately, not being able to sleep can make these and other health conditions worse.
The best way to be proactive about your health is to make an appointment with a sleep medicine specialist. Often working with your primary physician, the sleep specialist can devise a treatment plan that has you sleeping like a baby.