Do You Suffer from a Sleep Disorder?

One of the top questions I get from friends, family members and users like you is this “How do I know if I have a Sleep Disorder?”

The advice I usually give them is to use a log book and record any happenings before, during or after your sleep. You will be pleasantly surprised at the results you can glean when you look at these seemingly isolated incidents at a later time. See below for our free sleep disorder assessment!

Typically, a sign that you have a sleep disorder is if you have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, problems staying awake, unusual behaviors during sleep (e.g., sleep walking, restless leg syndrome or grinding of teeth), very loud, disruptive snoring, or episodes where people see you stop breathing during sleep (sleep apnea). If any of these issues are present, check out some simple home remedies you can try tonight. Usually, poor sleep habits are mistaken for sleep disorders; you should definitely exhaust all the options suggested before going for professional help. Next, I will talk about the main questions you have to ask yourself to verify if you have a sleep disorder.

How is your sleep? Note if you have difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep, or if the problem is early morning awakening. Also, be able to assess if the problem is dependent on quality versus quantity of sleep. If you have difficulty sleeping, do you get stressed and frustrated by your inability to sleep? What do you do when you can’t sleep? Head to the fridge, read a book or watch the television?

What happens while you are asleep? Obviously, a bed partner would be most useful to answer these questions. Is loud snoring or witnessed apneas (stopping of breathing) present? Note if there are any repetitive movements that occur during sleep or when relaxing trying to get to sleep. Do you dream about threatening or frightening situations on a frequent basis? Do you experience unexplained episodes of night terrors? Do you sleep walk, talk, grind your teeth, or wake up confused?

What is you weekday and weekend sleep schedule? An important differentiating factor in judging the significance of a sleep problem is if it is present even when you have the chance to “sleep in.” Also important is how continuous the sleep is. Are there many awakenings and if so how long are they? Bear in mind that sleeping for 9 hours and being awakened in the middle of the night might not be as productive a sleep as 8 hours of uninterrupted rest.

How tired are you during the day? Do you notice yourself closing your eyes while driving, working or studying? How easy is it for you to feel lethargic?

What is your medical and psychiatric history? Many psychiatric and medical conditions will affect the way you sleep, so be able to name your medical problems. Your depression or anxiousness might be the cause of your sleeplessness. Also, do you use any medications to help you sleep or stay awake, even over-the-counter drugs such as sleeping/caffeine pills? Make a list of supplements/medication that you take regularly.

Do you have any poor sleep habits like watching the television or exercising too close to bed time?

If you suffer from a sleep disorder, you are not living life to the full! Rest assured though - You're not alone in your quest for good sleep!

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In order to know if you are experiencing a sleep disorder, taking this sleep questionnaire might help. This is not intended to be a diagnostic, but can be helpful if you suspect that you have a sleep disorder.

Are you experiencing any of these? Tick the boxes accordingly.

I have been told that I snore.
I have been told that I hold my breath while asleep.
I wake up choking, gasping, or have difficulty breathing at night.
I wake up in the middle of the night with palpitations (fast heartbeat).
I am told that I kick violently at night.
I feel very tired during the day despite sleeping for 6 to 7 hours per day.
I wish I had more energy.
I get morning headaches often.
I notice that I am grumpy and irritable lately.
I often feel sleepy and have trouble staying awake at meetings.
I frequently awake with a dry mouth and throat.
I have high blood pressure.
I am slightly overweight.
I have frequent sore throats.
I have “sinus” problems on most mornings of the week.
I have fallen asleep while driving.
I often feel like I’m in a daze.
I have difficulty falling asleep.
I feel sad and depressed.
Sometimes I can’t keep my legs still at night; I just have to move them to feel comfortable.
I wake up frequently at night to urinate, following that I am unable to fall asleep.

If you are experiencing more than five of these symptoms, you could have a sleep disorder. Head on over to the other sections of the site to try some of the tips and remedies on this site to stop snoring, cure sleep apnea and other disorders. Stop Your Snore Naturally - Start living today!