How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

Sleep disorders are problems that cause you to alter the way you sleep. From time to time, everyone can have difficulty sleeping. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have a sleep disorder:

• You have trouble sleeping on a regular basis;
• Although you slept for at least several hours the night before, you are frequently fatigued throughout the day;
• You have a diminished or impaired ability to carry out normal day-to-day tasks

What are the different sleep disorders?

Insomnia

The term insomnia refers to the inability to fall or tay asleep. Insomnia can be divided into two categories. There are two types of insomnia: transient or short-term insomnia and chronic insomnia.

Transient or short-term insomnia often occurs after a traumatic life event, such as the death of a loved one or the breakdown of a relationship. It can also occur if you work shifts or are experiencing jet lag. You may be unable to relax, have restless sleep, and be unable to identify any underlying cause for your inability to sleep.

Chronic insomnia can be non-restorative sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and being unable to maintain sleep for at least one month. Throughout the day, you are exhausted. When you have chronic intermittent insomnia, you have a sleeping pattern in which you have a few decent nights of sleep followed by several nights of sleeplessness

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterised by breathing pauses while sleeping. This is a serious medical disorder in which the body's oxygen intake is reduced. It may also cause you to awaken in the middle of the night. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the airway becomes obstructed or too narrow, and central sleep apnea, when the brain and the muscles that control your breathing have a problem communicating.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is characterised by an insatiable need to move the legs. A tickling sensation in the legs might sometimes accompany this impulse. These sensations can occur at any time of day, but they are more common at night.

RLS is frequently linked to health issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson's disease, but the precise cause isn't always clear.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes people to feel extremely fatigued during the day despite receiving enough sleep the night before. This can cause an overpowering need to sleep, resulting in "sleep attacks" where an individual will fall asleep at an inappropriate time thattime, thatlast only lasts a few minutes. Narcolepsy can create sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance issues over time.

Parasomnias

Parasomnias are a variety of odd sleep patterns that can arise before falling asleep, while sleeping, or between sleeping and waking up. These are more frequent in youth, but some adults may also suffer from them. Sleepwalking, wetting the bed, night terrors, and more unusual symptoms like exploding head syndrome are among them.

Excessive Sleepiness

EDS is characterised by extreme grogginess during the day, which can force people to sleep at inconvenient times. People who are drowsy throughout the day may be more prone to mistakes and be confused. Diabetes, thyroid problems, chronic pain, melancholy, and stress are just a few of the physical and psychological problems that can cause EDS. Certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and periodic limb movement disorder, are also factors.

Diagnosis

It is important to see your doctor if you believe you may have a sleep disorder, as most of the time they can be easily managed once you have a diagnosis. Your doctor will begin by performing a physical examination and taking notes on your past medical history. There are three tests your doctor may arrange for you:

• Polysomnography - a sleep disorder diagnostic test that is used to find out what is happening during sleep. During the study, polysomnography records your brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate and respiration, as well as eye and leg activity
• Electroencephalogram - A sleep EEG is a recording of your brain's electrical activity when you're awake and then asleep. It entails attaching little discs (electrodes) to your scalp using paste to monitor your activity
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test - An individual is given 4-5 opportunities to sleep every two hours during normal wake times in the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). The test is used to determine the severity of daytime sleepiness (how quickly the patient falls asleep in each session, also known as sleep latency) as well as how quickly REM sleep begins

What are the treatments for sleep disorders?

Treatments will depend on which sleep disorder you have been diagnosed with. They may include:

• Good sleep hygiene, as well as other lifestyle improvements like a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help you sleep better;
• To minimize anxiety about obtaining adequate sleep, try cognitive behavioural therapy or relaxation techniques;
• A CPAP machine can be used for sleep apnea to regulate breathing;
• Some medicines can be prescribed for a short period of time

Being diagnosed with a sleep disorder can be a worrying time, but you’re heading in the right direction towards being able to manage the problem. Find out more about sleep disorders and sleep wellness for expert advice which is always backed by science

A better night’s sleep with Sleep Science by Emma

Being diagnosed with a sleep disorder can be a worrying time, but you’re heading in the right direction towards being able to manage the problem. Find out more about sleep disorders and sleep wellness for expert advice which is always backed by science.