When you don’t get enough sleep, it can affect your memory, problem-solving skills and creativity, and make you irritable and unable to concentrate.
And while many of us might have trouble sleeping every once in a while, for many it can be an ongoing problem that requires medical attention.
“If you are having problems functioning during the day, if you sleep a reasonable amount of time and wake up still tired, or you consistently have problems either going to sleep or staying asleep, that is a real sign that you have a problem,” says Frank Biscardi, M.D., medical director of Carilion Clinic’s Sleep Medicine program.
Take a look at the questions below to see if you have a sleep disorder. If you answer “yes” to two or more of the questions below, you may want to talk to your physician about your sleep issues.
- Has your partner noticed that you stop breathing at night?
- Do you snore?
- When you snore, do you snore loudly and irregularly?
- Do you feel sleepy during the day, even though you slept the previous night?
- Do you find it difficult to go to sleep?
- Is your bedtime inconsistent?
- Do you often experience morning headaches?
- Do you often feel exhausted or tired?
- Do you get up frequently at night to urinate?
- Do you have trouble concentrating?
- Are you overweight or have you recently gained weight?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
If you are a troubled sleeper, talk to your doctor. A referral to a sleep center for a sleep study may be just what you need to stay healthy.
