You can use the below as the first step in trying to determine if you may be suffering from any specific sleep disorders.
If you are experiecing three or more symptoms of any one specific sleep disorder then it is recommended that you talk with a sleep specialist for further diagnosis and treatment
1 – Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep-breathing disorder that causes you to stop breathing while you’re sleeping. Bad cases of sleep apnea can result in hundreds of instances a night where breathing stops.
- I have been told that I snore.
- I have been told that I hold my breath when I sleep.
- I have high blood pressure.
- My friends and family say that I’m grumpy and irritable.
- I wish I had more energy.
- I get morning headaches.
- I often wake up gasping for breath.
- I am overweight.
- I often feel sleepy and struggle to remain alert during the day.
- I frequently wake up with a dry mouth.
2 – Insomnia
Insomnia is a persistent inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- I have difficulty falling asleep.
- Thoughts race through my mind and prevent me from getting to sleep.
- I anticipate a problem with sleep several times a week.
- I often wake up and have trouble going back to sleep.
- I worry about things and have trouble relaxing.
- I wake up earlier in the morning than I would like.
- I lie awake for half an hour or more before I fall asleep.
- I often feel sad/depressed because I can’t sleep.
3 – Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes episodes of unpreventable sleep, also known as sleep attacks.
- I have trouble concentrating at work or school.
- When I’m angry or surprised, I feel like my muscles are going limp.
- I have fallen asleep while driving.
- I often feel like I am in a daze.
- I have experienced vivid dreamlike scenes upon falling asleep or awakening.
- I have fallen asleep in social settings such as movies or at a party.
- I have vivid dreams soon after falling asleep or during naps.
- I have “sleep attacks” during the day no matter how hard I try to stay awake.
- I have episodes of feeling paralyzed during sleep.
4 – Gastroesophageal Reflux
This is where acid backs up into the esophagus while you’re sleeping causing disruptions to your sleep.
- I wake up at night with an acid/sour taste in my mouth.
- I wake up at night coughing or wheezing.
- I have frequent sore throats.
- I have heartburn at night.
- During the night I suddenly wake up feeling like I’m choking.
5 – Restless Legs Syndrome or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is where you experience uncomfortable feelings in your legs which make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) involves uncontrollable arm or leg jerks while you’re sleeping.
- I have noticed (or others have commented) that parts of my body jerk during sleep.
- I have been told that I kick and jerk during sleep.
- When trying to go to sleep, I experience an aching or crawling sensation in my legs.
- I experience leg pain or cramps at night.
- Sometimes I can’t keep my legs still at night; I just have to move them to feel comfortable.
- Even though I slept during the night, I feel sleepy during the day.