Getting a good night’s sleep is something the well-rested portion of the population may take for granted. However, if you’re one of the millions of people dealing with a sleeping disorder, you know how life altering the conditions can be. At Glacier Headache & Sleep Medicine in Kalispell, MT, the team is committed to helping patients find effective treatments for neurological disorders that disrupt rest. Here, the certified staff discusses a few common issues that keep adults from enjoying their shuteye.

A Guide to Adult Sleeping Disorders

What Are the Most Common Sleep Problems?

According to the CDC, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans have some form of sleeping disorder. Two of the most common are insomnia and sleep apnea. Insomnia, or the chronic inability to fall or remain asleep, keeps around one-third of sufferers awake for different periods of time. There are two types of insomnia: short term and chronic. Both can be caused by shift work, stress, depression, breathing disorders, or other medical problems.

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked, causing a pause in breathing. As a result, the body and brain are deprived of oxygen, which leads to choking or loud snoring. The condition is treatable, though, so if you feel irritable during the day, have a general lack of energy, or suffer from headaches without any known cause, it’s important to speak with a specialist.

What Is the Diagnosis Process?

To be diagnosed with a sleep disorder, a doctor will need to perform a physical exam and obtain information about your medical history and current symptoms. They will typically order a sleep test, which analyzes oxygen levels, body movements, and brain waves. All of these are essential to determining the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Don’t let a sleeping disorder control your life. Contact the experts at Glacier Headache & Sleep Medicine to help you understand and manage your sleep problems. They offer effective treatments to help get your cycle back on track. Call (406) 752-1729 today to schedule an appointment, and learn more online.