How to Know If You Should Talk to Your Doctor About Sleep Problems

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

discussed in body of text

Step 1

Just how does snoring affect the body

Do you snore when you sleep?
I don't mean the typical snore, but do you SNORE so loudly that your spouse sleeps on the couch?
If so you need to discuss your snoring problem with your doctor.
This type of snoring is due to the soft tissues in your palate or throat relaxing and vibrating loudly. This may be a simple or a complex problem that your doctor will want to ask you some questions about.
Make a list of any other symptoms you may have and bring it with you to your doctors appointment.
Step 2

the common symptoms of asthma you should know

Do you wake up short of breath at night?
This could be simple allergies or something more serious.
Your doctor will want to know if you have asthma or known allergies.
He will have other questions for you so you should right down a list of your symptoms including how often you wake up short of breath.
This could be simple like asthma or allergies, or more complex like sleep apnea or other respiratory problems.
Step 3

If you are falling asleep at work you need to talk to your doctor

Do you have a hard time staying awake during the day?
Odds are if you are having a hard time staying awake during the day it is due to you not receiving a good nights sleep.
You may not even be aware that you are having a problem sleeping.
People with sleep apnea often times are not even aware that they are waking up several hundred times a night!
If you have a spouse talk to them and ask them if they have ever noticed an unusual breathing pattern while you are asleep.
If they have, you need to make an appointment with your doctor to be assessed for sleep apnea.
Step 4

too many car accidents happen as a result of the driver falling asleep at the wheel

Do you fall asleep at odd times, like when you are driving?
Most of us hate to admit it but it is not all that uncommon for people with sleep disorders to momentarily dose off while at the wheel in heavy traffic!

Falling asleep at the wheel is dangerous for everyone involved, you, your family in the car, and others on the road, sidewalk, street corner, ect!!!

Don't think, I am almost home, I can make it... most accidents occur within 10 miles of home... how many were drivers that dozed off???

SEE YOUR DOCTOR
Step 5

american academy of sleep medicine

Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? If this is a recurrent problem that has lasted a month or more it is time to talk with your doctor about your sleep problems.
He will ask you about your particular sleep problem so keep a diary of what you did prior to bed, to help him.
There are both over the counter and prescription meds you can take to help you fall asleep or stay asleep.
Step 6

for those who experience night terrors, they see something that is not there.

Do you have night terrors?
Night terrors is when you seem to be awake to others but you are sound asleep. you may appear to be looking at something and responding to something that is not really there, but you still see it.
They can be horrific to the sleeper or a simple nusiance.
Talk to your doctor about your night terrors!
Step 7

If you suffer from frequent unexplained nightmares you should discuss it with your doctor

Nightmares either recurrent, continuations or something different every night should be brought up to your doctor if they happen frequently enough that you are concerned.

Everyone experiences nightmares from time time but if they are exceptionally frightening or happen with some regularity you should talk to your doctor
Step 8

there are several pillows on the market that try to help you get a good nights sleep

Things you can do to try to get a good nights sleep before talking to your doctor.
Try a new pillow, sometimes your sleep problems may be caused by your head or neck in the wrong position. They sell several types of posture pillows that help keep your head in the correct posture to aid you in getting a good nights sleep.
Step 9

there are several throat sprays and tablets you can take to help stop snoring

For mild to moderate snoring you can try a stop snoring spray.
You may find it necessary to repeat the application during the night.
Be sure to follow all directions but if you have tried everything in this article and still have a snoring problem...
SEE YOUR DOCTOR
Step 10

breathe right nasal strips or other device may help open your airways and give you a good nights sleep

Breathe Right Nasal Strips or similar device that opens up the nasal passageways may help you breathe better and thereby stop or reduce your snoring and shortness of breath.
If they do not and you have tried the other suggestions in this article...
SEE YOUR DOCTOR
Step 11

listening to music can help you sleep

You can try to elevate the head of the bed, they sell blocks that you put under the legs at the head of your bed to raise it up higher than the foot. This puts your head higher than your feet and eases symptoms for some people.

If not SEE YOUR DOCTOR
Step 12

stack pillows under you to raise your head higher than your feet.

Add pillows to the head of the bed, this works the same as the step above only your spouse isn't stuck in the same position as you. This may keep the two of you sleeping in the same bed.

If these tips do not solve your problem, SEE YOUR DOCTOR
Step 13

Coffee or other caffinated beverage may be your bedtime kryptonite

Do not drink coffee or other caffenated drinks 2 or more hours before bedtime. Caffeine can keep you awake, or let you go to sleep only to wake up later. Try to limit all caffeine intake.

If these tips do not solve your problem, SEE YOUR DOCTOR
Step 14

you may want to try listening to music.

listen to your favorite music.
Use headphones to listen to your favorite music or audio-books to fall asleep. If you listen to the same audio-book or music track over and over it may help you fall asleep or stay asleep

Again if these suggestions do not help
SEE YOUR DOCTOR
Step 15

pain can be a cause of sleep problems

Pain can most definatly cause sleep disorders!
Treat your pain, if your pain is greater than over the counter medications.... SEE YOUR DOCTOR