18 Jul 5 Telltale Signs You Need to Do a Sleep Study & Why
How can you know if you’re getting the right amount of good, restful sleep? It can be difficult to tell since you are, after all, asleep! However, there are a few telltale signs that indicate you may not be sleeping well and should undergo a sleep study to determine if you’re getting a good night’s sleep. Keep reading to find out what they are and what to do next.
#1: Snoring
Snoring is one of the first and most obvious signs that you need a sleep study. A high percentage of people who snore have a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. This makes it important to get an evaluation if you snore even slightly and even more so if your snoring is loud and disruptive.
#2: Lack of Energy
Many people need a midday pick-me-up, whether that be a second cup of coffee or a short walk, to power through the afternoon. But if you can’t keep your eyes open and are looking for the nearest couch by lunchtime, you should ask your physician about scheduling a sleep study. Being unable to make it through a full school or work day (after sleeping for an appropriate amount of hours) without a nap could indicate an underlying problem.
#3: Difficulty Concentrating
A lack of quality sleep can lead to difficulty concentrating on even the simplest of tasks. If you notice a decline in your cognitive functioning, a reduced quality of sleep due to sleep apnea might be the cause.
#4: Breathing Issues
Has your partner noticed any of the following while you’re sleeping?
- Stopping breathing momentarily
- Gasping or choking
- Tossing and turning a lot
- Loud snoring
These can all be signs of a sleep disorder, both separately and altogether.
#5: Depression
According to a study done in 2014, up to 50% of people suffering from sleep apnea also show signs of depression—indicating sleep and mood are closely connected. If you’ve noticed a decline in your mental health, speak to your general practitioner right away to determine if better quality of sleep could be a part of the treatment plan.
Schedule Your Sleep Study with TMJ & Sleep Solutions
Are you looking to schedule a sleep study? Contact us at TMJ & Sleep Solutions! We serve clients throughout the Southeast, including Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and North Florida.
We know how frustrating and disruptive a lack of good sleep can be to your daily life. We also know the dangers of a sleep disorder going undiagnosed: high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and more. We’ll work with you to discover the underlying cause of your sleeping problems and find a solution that will help you get back to the good night’s sleep you deserve.