Do you think you have a sleep disorder? Are you sure? You may write off some sleep disturbances, thinking it's natural. But the toll of a sleep disorder can be high, and the bar for classification is probably lower than you think. 

Sleep Apnea Is Common

Sleep apnea is hard to detect. After all, the symptoms happen when you are asleep. When you have sleep apnea, your airways are restricted and become closed while you are sleeping. You may be startled awake by this many times per night. As a result, people who don't know that they have sleep apnea may wonder why they always feel tired. 

One thing that is a sign that you may have sleep apnea is frequent snoring. If you think you may have the condition, visit a specialist; they can provide you with a sleep apnea mask that helps hold your airway open during sleep. 

Narcolepsy May Go Undetected

You may think that everyone who has narcolepsy knows it. Media depictions of narcolepsy show people falling asleep mid-sentence or while walking around in a public place. In reality, narcolepsy may simply be an insistent need to sleep during the day. If you always feel tired or sleepy, and you cannot attribute it to any other health disorder, see a sleep specialist to rule out this debilitating condition.

Insomnia Wrecks Your Health

Insomnia is something many people won't take seriously until it has serious consequences. If you find yourself frequently not being able to sleep at night, that can take a dramatic toll on your health. Not getting enough rest will contribute to poor health overall and help speed along illness. That is not to mention the mental health effects of continuously running on less sleep than your brain needs. 

Visiting a Sleep Clinic

When you visit a sleep clinic, the technicians will set up equipment to monitor your sleep. They are likely to take measurements of your vital signs and monitor for any observable cues that your sleep is interrupted. It may take a few sessions to get a complete diagnosis on your sleep issues. Treatment varies, from sleep apnea masks to medication. Some conditions, like narcolepsy, must be managed on a permanent basis. But it is always comforting to know exactly what's wrong with you when you have a recurring sleep disorder. And the right treatment will make your life as comfortable as possible.