How can you tell if you have a sleep disorder?

This question was asked in Stockton, Iowa on 08/06/2013.
How would I know if I have a sleep disorder? For the past two months I have had difficulty sleeping more than 4 hours a night and I wake up multiple times during the night feeling restless and stressed. Do I have a sleeping disorder and can this be treated? How do I know if it's a sleep disorder or just a temporary phase of sleeplessness?

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Doctors Answers (4)

Vector Sleep Diagnostics Center
Answered on: 8/30/2013

Yes, it is a sleep disorder because it clearly affected you and disrupted you sleep. It is still early to say if it will turn into a chronic problem and this is a good time to visit your doctor to discuss your symptoms and decide on the treatment, if any. Interventions could range from stress reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy to medications. It is difficult to make the diagnosis without in-person evaluation so most likely a doctor visit (possibly sleep specialist) is needed.

SomnoDiagnostics, Inc.
Answered on: 8/22/2013

The easiest way to know you have a problem is if you are not refreshed upon awakening. You may have a sleep disorder that requires treatment or you may simply have bad sleep hygiene habits. If you are allowing yourself adequate time to sleep during the night and wake up un-refreshed there could be a problem. Sleepiness during the day is also an indicator that you are not resting well during the night.

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 8/8/2013 1

Anything that interferes with your sleep is a sleep disorder. And, if you do not feel restored after sleeping or are very sleepy during the day, this also suggests a disorder of sleep. You need to consult a sleep specialist.

Jeannine Louise Gingras, MD
Answered on: 8/8/2013 1

Your not rested in the morning after sufficient sleep, you cannot fall or stay asleep or you are tired during the day could be all be signs that you have a sleep disorder.