not having enough sleep may cause other problems

A sleep disorder (somnipathy) is any disruption in the sleep patterns of an individual. While some sleep disorders may leave you feeling unrefreshed, a number of symptoms are more severe including excessive sleepiness, snor¬ing, difficulty falling asleep during normal sleeping hours and abnormal be¬haviors such as restless leg syndrome. There are even disorders that cause you to get too much sleep.

Particular behaviors during normal daytime activities are telltale signs of sleep deprivation. If you are experiencing one or more of the fol¬lowing symptoms during the day, you may not be getting enough restful sleep at night, and you may even have a sleep disorder.
Do you:
• Feel irritable or sleepy during the day?
• Have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, such as when watching television or reading?
• Occasionally fall asleep while driving?
• Have difficulty paying attention or concen¬trating at work, school, or home?
• Perform below your potential in work, school, or sports?
• Often hear that you look tired?
• Have difficulty with your memory?
• Have emotional outbursts?
• Feel tired enough to require a nap almost every day?
• Require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself awake?
 
Each type of sleep disorder has its own particular symptoms, but each results in some of the above signs of sleep deprivation.

If you suspect that you are not getting enough sleep or that you might have a sleep disorder, speak to your physician or a sleep specialist. If your health care professional feels that you may have a sleep disorder they may ask that you keep a sleep diary, or they may even have you stay overnight at a sleep center for observation.

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, a sleep specialist can confirm if your suspicions are correct – and make a careful and detailed medical evaluation to find the source of your sleep problem.
A doctor or a sleep specialist can diagnose your sleep disorder based on a number of factors, including:
• A description of your symptoms
• Your age
• Your gender
• Your psychological history
• Your medical history

Disturbance in the amount, timing,or quality of sleep. Dyssomnias result in excessive daytime sleepiness or an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Dyssomnias can originate from causes inside or outside the body.
Dyssomnias include:
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Inability to stay awake (hypersomnia)
• Sleep apnea
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
• Periodic Limb Movement in Sleep (PLMS)
• Circadian rhythm sleep disorder