Ideally, people fall asleep easily and wake up refreshed and energized. However, the reality is that many people are sleep-deprived, and some of us have a sleep disorder that warrants medical attention so it can be corrected. The main organ that needs a quality sleep in order to fully function properly is the brain.
Although you may balk at the idea of seeing a doctor about getting better sleep, keep in mind that being chronically sleep-deprived can wreak havoc on your health. Conditions that are related to chronic sleep deprivation include heart disease, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, chronic pain, and depression, all of which are exacerbated by a lack of sleep.
If your lack of getting a good night’s sleep is interfering with your life, it may be time to see a sleep specialist for an evaluation and possible treatment. Let’s talk about some of those telltale signs and where you can go for a medical sleep assessment.
Signs of a Sleep Disorder
A sleep disorder requires treatment because it is not likely to improve on its own – and in the meantime, it can negatively impact your other health systems such as your heart and your cardiovascular system.
Symptoms of a sleep disorder include:
- Loud snoring
- Repeated stops in breathing during sleep
- Restless legs during sleep
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Frequently interrupted sleep for no apparent reason
- Cognitive problems during the day
- Low energy
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
For many people with a sleep disorder, they don’t even know that there’s a problem until others tell them so. Roommates or family members may tell you that you sometimes stop breathing during the night, that you sometimes choke, and that you snore unusually loudly. You wouldn’t know that this is happening, because your brain is trying to stay asleep and so you have no memory of it.
The Trouble with Having Trouble Sleeping
Sleep deprivation can impair your body’s ability to fight off infection, so you may notice that you are frequently getting sick. Moreover, accidents may become more frequent – dropping things, slipping, spilling drinks, and forgetfulness are all safety risks. You may even find yourself starting to doze off at the wheel, which can be an obvious hazard.
Sleep Specialist in Georgetown, Texas
Dr. Scott Franklin of Georgetown ENT is a board-certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor and sleep medicine specialist, so he is uniquely qualified to treat patients with sleep disorders. If you and Dr. Franklin decide that you should have a sleep test in order to find out what’s going on while you sleep, the test can be conducted either at your home or at the Sleep Center at Georgetown ENT.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Franklin, call us today at (512) 869-0604 or complete our convenient online request form. We look forward to helping you get a good night’s sleep again!
