Sleep disorders can do more than disrupt your nights—they can have a major impact on your overall health. Without proper treatment, these conditions can increase your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

“The consequences of untreated sleep disorders can be severe,” said HMH Sleep Center Director Heather Waters, BSRC, CRT. “This isn’t just about improving sleep; it’s about preventing poor sleep from turning into life-threatening health problems.”

From common conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome (RLS) to less obvious issues like snoring or teeth grinding, sleep disorders can lead to serious, long-term health challenges if left unchecked.

Some common symptoms to look out for:

1. Difficulty Falling Asleep: Struggling to drift off, even when feeling tired.
2. Trouble Staying Asleep: Frequently waking up during the night and struggling to return to sleep.
3. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Feeling drained or lethargic throughout the day, even after a full night’s rest.
4. Loud Snoring: Persistent snoring may indicate sleep apnea.
5. Gasping or Choking During Sleep: A key sign of potential sleep apnea.
6. Restless Legs: Uncomfortable leg sensations that disrupt sleep.
7. Sleepwalking: Performing activities like walking or eating while asleep.
8. Nightmares or Night Terrors: Intense dreams causing sudden waking and panic.
9. Frequent Nighttime Urination: Potentially linked to nocturia, which interrupts sleep.
10. Difficulty Concentrating: Impaired focus, memory problems, or mental fog.
11. Irritability and Mood Swings: Heightened emotional sensitivity and changes in mood.
12. Decline in Work or School Performance: Reduced productivity or increased errors and accidents.
13. Excessive Movement During Sleep: Movements like kicking or flailing that disturb your sleep and your partner’s.
14. Sudden Muscle Weakness (Cataplexy): A loss of muscle control linked to strong emotions, often associated with narcolepsy.
15. Hallucinations While Falling Asleep or Waking Up: Vivid sensory experiences during sleep transitions.
16. Unintended Sleep in Situational Settings: Falling asleep during meetings, while reading, or even driving.
17. Changes in Breathing Patterns: Abnormal breathing during sleep, a potential sign of sleep apnea.

These symptoms don’t always mean you have a sleep disorder, but they warrant further investigation. Consulting with a healthcare professional or sleep specialist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve your quality of sleep and overall health.

A sleep study at Haskell Memorial Hospital can diagnose over 80 different sleep disorders. Don’t let untreated sleep conditions compromise your health.

Schedule an appointment with HMH today and ask your doctor about a sleep study.