
They’ll help you find relief from both the syndrome and the underlying cause. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of RLS. Treatment options and diagnosis methods are different than other sleep disorders. RLS is classified as a neurological disorder. Most people with severe RLS are middle aged or older, and women are twice as likely to have the condition. Up to 10 percent of Americans may have RLS in some form, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. RLS is an unpleasant creeping sensation that can cause aches and pains in the legs that make it difficult to fall asleep. Learn more: What is insomnia? » Restless legs syndrome (RLS) Having another chronic health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, also increases your chances of being affected by insomnia.

A massive CDC study revealed that sleep duration varies greatly according to profession, employment status, marital status, and state of residence. Insomnia is the most commonly diagnosed sleep disorder. This is defined as the inability to fall or stay asleep that results in functional impairment throughout the following day. Sleep disorders affect many people, so don’t be hesitant to talk to your doctor if you think you may have one. The sleep specialist will have advice and a diagnosis for you based on these exams. Neurological and cardiovascular activity during your sleep might hold the answer to why you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. If your doctor feels it necessary, they might refer you to a “sleep lab” where a specialist will observe your heart, brain function, and breathing during sleep.

The journal should reveal any habits that could be interfering with your sleep.


Also, record how you felt in the morning after awaking and throughout the day.Īfter a few weeks, examine your sleep journal closely for any patterns of behavior. Factors may include alcohol and caffeine consumption, exercise, and naps. Every day, record how many hours you slept the night before, the quality of the sleep, and any other factors that could have affected your sleep. The first step to understanding the source of your sleep problems is starting a sleep journal. Diagnosing sleep disorders Self-diagnosis
