Always Tired? It May Be Time For You To Try A Sleep Clinic
It happens to everyone at some point. A night of tossing and turning followed by feeling groggy and unrested the next day can leave anyone on edge. While most people make up for it the next night by sleeping soundly, you may suffer from a sleep disorder. If you regularly struggle with sleep, you can visit a sleep clinic to receive specialized treatment and support. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Sleep Clinic?
Sleep clinics are medical facilities staffed by sleep experts who can help you identify the underlying causes of your sleep troubles and develop strategies for getting more restful and restorative sleep. At a sleep clinic, you will undergo an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram. This test is used to diagnose sleep disorders. It monitors your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and muscle activity while you sleep and notes any patterns or behaviors that may be preventing you from getting the quality sleep you need.
What Are Common Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders are conditions that make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get a restful night's sleep. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical or mental health conditions, stress, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Some common sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia. This is the most common type of sleep disorder, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic states that 33 to 50 percent of the adult population in the United States suffers from insomnia symptoms.
- Restless legs syndrome. This condition causes you to feel a strong urge to move your legs when you're trying to sleep.
- Sleep apnea. This condition causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time while you sleep, and is often associated with loud snoring.
- Narcolepsy. People with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness and sometimes uncontrollable sleep attacks.
If you are struggling with any of these conditions, a sleep clinic can help you get the treatment you need to restore your sleep health.
How Can a Sleep Clinic Help?
After talking to you and observing your sleep, a sleep clinic will better understand the underlying cause of your troubles. They may recommend a variety of treatments, including:
- Lifestyle changes
- Behavioral therapy
- Medication
- CPAP machine
Is It Time for You to Try a Sleep Clinic?
Sleep disorders can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health. They can lead to annoying yet minor issues like fatigue, daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. However, they can also increase your risk of developing other, more severe health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.
Whether you have difficulty falling asleep at night or struggle with insomnia, a visit to a sleep clinic could be the solution to start getting the quality rest that your body needs. Reach out to a local sleep clinic to learn more.
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