Insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and other disorders require professional and immediate treatment.
Don't let your condition linger.
Find out all you can about what ails you and what you can do about it.
Here are some common tests used to diagnose sleep disorders.
Nocturnal Polysomnogram The nocturnal polysomnogram (N-PSG) test is used to diagnose narcolepsy, respiratory disorders,nocturnal myoclonus and REM issues.
During the test, a patient must stay overnight for lab observation.
Medical technicians monitor muscle and brain activity, breathing, eye movement and heart rhythm.
Stages of NREM and REM sleep are analyzed carefully for specific sleeping disorder symptoms.
Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) The multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) is used to diagnose excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and narcolepsy.
Quality and duration of sleep are tested through a series of four naps.
REM sleep occurs instantly for narcoleptics.
The MSLT measures how long it takes for REM sleep to set in.
Brain waves, heart rate, muscle and eye movements are also monitored for symptoms.
Nasal CPAP/BIAP Titration The Nasal CPAP/BIAP titration helps patients who have upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) or sleep apnea.
This procedure tries to eliminate snoring and disruptive breathing, while also trying to stabilize the oxygen saturation in your blood.
Airflow is measured via a continuous positive airway pressure device or nasal CPAP.
After analyzing your sleep stages, the CPAP pressure settings are adjusted to optimal levels.
Overnight Oximetry Overnight oximetry is one of the procedures used to diagnose for sleep apnea.
It measures the amount of oxygen that is saturated in your blood stream.
Sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea can have their air pathways completely blocked.
The result isn't only uncomfortable (causing snorting and gasping for air), it's also very dangerous (it can lead to strokes, high blood pressure and heart disease).
If apnea sufferers experience an episode of blocked breathing, the overnight oximetry test can measure the severity of the situation.
Repeated test of sustained wakefulness (RTSW) In the RTSW test, the patient is put into a sleep-friendly environment (typically a quiet, comfortable room with little light).
The patient is then asked to not go to sleep.
The RTSW test measures the patient's resistance to sleep.
In this environment, narcoleptics fall asleep in a very short period time.
If your sleeping issues are minor, then simple over-the-counter treatments like Good Night's Sleep can help you get back to a normal rest pattern.
Good Night's Sleep takes an alternative approach to sleep-relief.
Good Night's Sleep delivers a night-time sleep aid via an easy-to-use mouth spray.
Unlike sleeping pills, Good Night's Sleep is instantly absorbed for fast-acting relief.
Simple lifestyle adjustments and other home remedies can also be employed to combat mild sleeping disorders.
Try, as best you can, to maintain regular sleeping and eating patterns.
When your body feels tired, don't fight the urge to relax.
Enhance your comfort levels.
Drink warm milk or sleep-friendly herbal tea.
Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
Enable your sleepiness by using your bedroom for sleep purposes only.
Read and watch TV in another room.
Sleep disorders are serious business.
Don't let your sleep issues rule your life.
Get help.
Visit your doctor, describe your symptoms and get a proper diagnosis.
What might seem like a nuisance might actually be signs of a more major health concern.