Do you often find yourself tossing and turning, unable to catch those precious hours of sleep? You are not alone. Millions of adult Americans struggle with insomnia and other sleep disorders.
According to one study, about 30 percent of adults have symptoms of insomnia. Ten percent of those adults say insomnia impacts their daily activities. Insomnia is more than a nuisance; it can have far-reaching effects on your overall well-being.
Let us explore the connection between insomnia and other sleep disorders, highlighting the importance of sleep testing.
What Is Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes falling asleep or staying asleep difficult. It can also affect your ability to fall back asleep after waking up at night. You may experience short-term insomnia, which lasts for weeks. Chronic insomnia lasts three months or more.
An individual with insomnia can suffer from daytime fatigue, mood disturbances, and a lack of concentration. Sleep is so important to the body, as a chronic lack of sleep can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. If not managed, it can also lead to mental health conditions such as depression and substance abuse.
Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders
Research shows a strong link between insomnia and other sleep disorders. Let us explore the connection between insomnia and other sleep disorders.
1. Prevalence
Insomnia can coexist with various sleep disorders. Having one disorder may increase the risk of developing another.
2. Causes
Many underlying factors that contribute to insomnia—such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain—are also linked to other sleep disorders.
3. Symptoms
The symptoms of insomnia, like difficulty falling or staying asleep, can be exacerbated by other disorders. For instance, sleep apnea can lead to fragmented sleep, which may worsen insomnia symptoms.
4. Treatment
Addressing one sleep disorder often requires a comprehensive approach that considers the presence of insomnia and any other sleep-related issues. Effective treatment for one condition can improve symptoms of the other.
5. Sleep Quality
Insomnia can diminish overall sleep quality, which can contribute to the severity of other sleep disorders. Conversely, untreated sleep disorders can lead to chronic insomnia.
Sleep is your body’s reset button. By learning more about sleep disorders, you are taking the right steps toward improving your quality of life.
The Importance of Sleep Testing
Sleep testing plays a pivotal role in diagnosing sleep disorders. It provides a detailed look into what happens with your body when you are supposed to be at rest. With proper testing, healthcare professionals can identify specific disorders and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
Several types of sleep tests are available. The most common is the polysomnogram, which records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing while you sleep. There is also the home sleep apnea test, a simplified version that can be done in the comfort of your bed. Each type of test has its benefits, offering insights into different aspects of your sleep health.
Sleep testing can reveal hidden issues that might be contributing to sleep problems. Appropriate treatment starts with pinpointing the sleep disorder, whether it is insomnia, sleep apnea, or another condition. Treatment for sleep disorders may include lifestyle changes, medications, or sleep devices.
Seeking Professional Help
If you have been struggling to get a good night’s sleep, seeking professional help is essential. A sleep doctor can offer the guidance and support you need. They can evaluate your symptoms, recommend sleep testing, and discuss your treatment options.
For a sleep study, you may spend the night at a sleep clinic or use a home testing kit. The data collected will give your sleep doctor a clearer picture of your sleep patterns and any disorders that might be present. After the test, your doctor will review the results with you and plan your treatment.
The treatments you get at a sleep clinic are comprehensive. The doctor may prescribe a combination of medications, behavioral therapy, and bright light therapy. Treating sleep issues with sleeping pills only masks the symptoms. A sleep doctor’s training and expertise means you receive comprehensive and advanced care.
If you want expert treatment for sleep disorders, search for “insomnia treatment near me” as a start.
Insomnia Treatment Near Me in Reno-Sparks, Nevada
MelioREM Sleep Clinic specializes in treating the full spectrum of sleep disorders, including insomnia. Dr. Innocent C. Ezenwa, a board-certified sleep doctor and internal medicine physician, leads our team of professionals. We use a series of diagnostic tools and advanced treatments in our clinic.
Our team at MelioREM Sleep Clinic treats every patient with compassion. Dr. Ezenwa knows the pain of having poor-quality sleep and is highly committed to improving your quality of life. He has made it his life’s passion to help our patients sleep better.
For insomnia treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ezenwa. Call us today at (775) 557-4900. By investing in your sleep health, you are investing in your overall health and well-being!
