Sleep disorders can affect the quality of sleep, negatively impacting your overall health and quality of life. When you are sleep-deprived, it can hinder your ability to operate machinery and drive safely, increasing your risk of other serious health problems.
What are the Signs of Sleep Disorders?
The most common sign of a sleep disorder is excessive daytime sleepiness. If you have a sleep disorder, sleeping partners may notice you frequently move during sleep or that your breathing is irregular. It can be difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. People with sleep disorders may also lack concentration or become irritable, anxious, or depressed.
Types of Sleep Disorders
There are different types of sleep disorders, but some of the most common include:
Insomnia
A condition where you find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
Sleep Apnea
A disorder where breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep, partially awakening the sufferer, sometimes hundreds of times a night.
Narcolepsy
A condition that creates extreme sleepiness during the day, and sufferers may fall asleep suddenly during daytime activities.
Restless Leg Syndrome
A sleep movement disorder that causes an uncomfortable sensation and an urge to move your legs when trying to fall asleep.
Nocturia
Frequent nighttime urination that disrupts sleep. It may be caused by hormonal imbalances or diseases of the urinary tract. Seek medical advice if this problem is accompanied by pain or bleeding.
Parasomnias
A group of sleep disorders that cause abnormal movements and behaviors, such as nightmares, sleepwalking, sleep talking, teeth grinding and clenching, and bedwetting.
Sometimes a sleep disorder may be a sign of another medical problem that, when treated, resolves the sleep disorder. If a sleep disorder isn’t caused by another condition, a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments can normally treat it.
It is important to see a physician or our Midtown internal medicine doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you may have a sleep disorder.
Diagnosing Sleep Disorders in Midtown NYC
Initially, primary care physicians will perform a physical exam, and we will need to know your symptoms and medical history. Specific tests can help to diagnose sleep disorders, including:
Sleep Study
A sleep study, or polysomnography, evaluates body movements, brainwaves, and oxygen levels while you sleep, helping to determine how badly your sleep is disrupted. It is especially useful in diagnosing sleep apnea and its severity.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
This test assesses electrical activity in the brain and can detect any problems.
Blood Testing
A blood test can diagnose any underlying health problems, frequently used to diagnose narcolepsy.
Once NYC primary care physicians have a diagnosis, we can determine which sleep disorder treatment will best suit your needs.
Medical Sleep Disorders Treatment
Medical treatments for sleep disorders may include sleeping pills, medications for underlying health issues, melatonin supplements, and allergy or cold medications.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with our award-winning best internist NYC and primary care physicians in Midtown or on the Upper East Side, please call Manhattan Primary Care doctors.
Insomnia Treatments
Insomnia treatments are tailored to meet your specific needs. If the underlying cause is anxiety or depression, a primary care physician in New York may prescribe anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. Medications to help you sleep are prescribed as needed.
Sleep Apnea and Teeth Grinding and Clenching Treatment
Sleep apnea is frequently treated with a night guard, which helps you breathe more easily during sleep. More serious forms of sleep apnea may require a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which consists of a mask that pumps pressurized air into your airway to keep it open during sleep.
People who clench and grind their teeth may need to see their dentist for a custom night splint to prevent tooth contact during sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Medications can treat restless leg syndrome, but behavioral therapy may also be appropriate.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle changes can greatly improve your quality of sleep, especially when used with medical treatments for sleep disorders. Ensure a healthy, nutritious diet that includes vitamins and minerals. Sleep disorders are sometimes linked to stress, so try to reduce stress and anxiety by exercising.
Practice good sleep hygiene by ensuring your bedroom is calm and welcoming and isn’t too hot. Establish a regular nighttime routine and limit the use of electronic devices before bed. If you must use a phone, laptop, or e-book reader, use a blue light filter to reduce sleep disruption. Limit caffeine in the late afternoon or evening and decrease tobacco and alcohol use. Before bedtime, eat a smaller, low-carbohydrate meal. Make it a habit to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to improve your sleep quality.
