Do I Need to See a Doctor about My Sleep?

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of life. It helps support physical and mental well-being, regulating everything from your mood to your digestion to your heart health. But when sleep problems persist, they can interrupt your rest and greatly impact your daily life.

An occasional night of poor sleep will happen. A noisy sleep environment, anxiety, or the sleep schedule of a parent can leave you feeling unrested. However, when these issues persist, it might be time to schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist.

Persistent sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, mental health challenges, and certain lifestyle factors might mean it’s time to see a doctor about your sleep.

1. Persistent Sleep Disorders

One of the primary reasons to consult a sleep specialist is the persistence of a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, restless syndrome (RLS), and narcolepsy can significantly impact your quality of life. Here’s how:

• Insomnia: Insomnia is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders. It involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep. Chronic insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a reduced ability to function at work or in daily activities.
• Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition where you experience pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. This often leads to loud snoring, choking, or gasping for air. Sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea.
• RLS: RLS is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually due to uncomfortable sensations like itching or tingling. These sensations typically worsen when you are at rest and can make it challenging to fall asleep. RLS can significantly disrupt sleep and reduce overall sleep quality.
• Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks. People with narcolepsy may experience cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness) and hallucinations during sleep transitions. Managing narcolepsy often involves medication and lifestyle adjustments.
• Parasomnias: These are abnormal behaviors or movements that occur during sleep. Examples include sleepwalking, night terrors, and REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams). Parasomnias can be alarming and potentially dangerous for the person experiencing them and those around them.

If you suspect a persistent sleep disorder, don’t hesitate to consult a sleep specialist or other professional healthcare provider. Address these issues promptly to improve your sleep quality, health, and overall quality of life.

2. Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue, often referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and debilitating condition characterized by persistent, unexplained fatigue that doesn't improve with rest or sleep.

The hallmark symptom of chronic fatigue is extreme and unrelenting fatigue that lasts for at least six months or longer. This fatigue is often described as overwhelming and is not alleviated by rest or sleep.  Individuals with chronic fatigue can also experience post-exertional malaise, which means that even minor physical or mental exertion can lead to a worsening of symptoms. This can include increased fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties.

Many people with chronic fatigue also experience muscle and joint pain, as well as headaches. Other cognitive symptoms, often referred to as "brain fog," can include difficulties with concentration, memory, and clear thinking. While chronic fatigue is marked by unexplained exhaustion, sleep disturbances such as insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns can also be present, making the condition even more challenging.

3. Mental Health Challenges

There is a strong link between sleep and mental health. Sleep disturbances can contribute to or exacerbate conditions like anxiety and depression. If you're experiencing mood swings, increased irritability, or a decline in your mental well-being, addressing your sleep health with a healthcare professional is an important step forward.

Poor sleep can impact mental health in several ways:

• Emotional regulation: Sleep is essential for emotional regulation. Getting enough sleep helps you process emotions and respond to stress in a healthier way. Sleep deprivation can lead to heightened emotional reactions and irritability.
• Cognitive function: Lack of sleep can impair cognitive functions like memory, concentration, and decision-making. This can make it difficult to manage stress and process challenging emotions effectively.
• Biological factors: Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters and hormones related to mood, such as serotonin and cortisol. Disruptions in sleep can alter these biochemical processes, contributing to mental health issues.

Recognizing the connection between sleep and mental health is the first step towards improving your overall well-being. You can also address these challenges through therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or visits to a mental health specialist.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Sometimes, the cause of your sleep problems may be related to your lifestyle and habits. A doctor can provide guidance on improving your sleep hygiene, which includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and managing stress. They can also recommend behavioral therapies or lifestyle modifications to help you achieve better sleep.

Our daily routines, behaviors, and habits play a significant role in our ability to achieve restful and refreshing sleep. Poor lifestyle choices and unhealthy sleep habits can lead to sleep disturbances and chronic sleep problems.

Here's how lifestyle and sleep habits can affect your sleep:

• Sleep schedule: Irregular work hours or shift work can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, making it challenging to establish a consistent sleep schedule.
• Sleep environment: Your sleep environment matters. A comfortable and conducive sleep space is essential. Factors like the quality of your mattress, room temperature, and ambient noise can all impact your sleep.
• Diet and nutrition: Consuming large meals, caffeine, or alcohol close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep. Doctors can provide guidance on dietary changes to promote better sleep.
• Relaxation: Doctors can recommend relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation, to help manage stress and anxiety before bedtime.
• Medication: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to address specific sleep disorders or short-term insomnia.

Each person's sleep needs and habits are unique, so there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Consider these and other factors when determining whether or not you need to see a sleep specialist.

Sleep specialists typically recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy to treat a variety of different sleep conditions. Depending on your sleep environment, they might also recommend that you upgrade your sleep materials. This might mean improving the quality of your pillows, blankets, or sleep accessories.

At Mattress Warehouse, we know a thing or two about a good night’s sleep. That’s why we created bedMATCH, a patented sleep diagnostic program that identifies the best mattress options for your sleep type. BedMATCH analyzes your entire sleep profile, from your height to your weight to your preferred sleep position, before recommending mattress options made for you.

Visit your local Mattress Warehouse to try bedMATCH for free today, or take the five-minute online bedMATCH quiz to browse mattress options right now.