Can't sleep?
If you regularly find yourself unable to sleep, you're not alone. The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research reports that approximately 40 million Americans suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders and another 20 to 30 million experience occasional sleep problems.
Even a little sleep loss can affect energy levels, mood, efficiency and ability to handle stress. It can also lead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
To look and feel your best, stay healthy and perform to your potential, sleep is a must.
What are some common sleep disorders?
Insomnia
As the most common sleeping complaint, insomnia is the inability to go to sleep or sleep well during the night.
Common signs and symptoms of insomnia include:
- Difficulty falling asleep at night or getting back to sleep after waking during the night
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Light, fragmented, or un-refreshing sleep
- You frequently rely on something (sleeping pills, alcohol, supplements) to get to sleep
- Sleepiness and low-energy throughout the day.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep, often lasting 10 seconds or more. Sleep apnea leads to fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Frequent pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping, snorting or choking during sleep
- Feeling un-refreshed after waking and sleepy during the day, no matter how much time you spent in bed
- Waking with shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, nasal congestion or a dry throat.
How can sleep problems be treated?
Some sleeping issues can be attributed to environment, stress and even relaxation habits. With simple adjustments to lifestyle, medication and/or relaxation techniques, many sleep issues can be cured.
For more serious sleep conditions, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, surgery and medications can be considered.
Dr. Brienne J. Loy is now welcoming new patients. To make an appointment, call 970.392.4752.
Family Health Care of the Rockies
2121 E. Harmony Road, Suite 230 (Building A)
Fort Collins, CO 80528
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