By: Ana Margarita Olar | Vigorbuddy.com
Everyone may have experienced difficulty sleeping at some point. But, are you suffering from a sleep disorder? Be aware of these signs:
FEELING TIRED IN THE MORNING
You have slept for eight hours but you wake up lightheaded, and tired. In a normal sleep pattern, your body alternates between light and deep sleep. This cycle helps you to fully rest and make you energized the next morning. So if you are still tired after 8 hours of sleep, your brain may not be entering the restorative level of sleep.
To help you sleep better, pay attention to your sleeping habits. Choose comfortable pillows and clothes when you sleep. You can also develop rituals before sleeping.
Try drinking warm milk, take warm showers, and play soft music. These rituals will signal your body that it is time to relax and have a rest.
SNORING
Snoring is common in obese people. You may also snore when you are so tired. But it could be a warning sign for sleep apnea. It is a condition when your airway is obstructed. It is also a condition where you stop breathing in your sleep.
To prevent snoring, lie on your left side. Support your arms and knees with a pillow. If your partner observes that you stop breathing for more than 15 seconds, you may need to consult a physician for further examination and intervention.
NARCOLEPSY
It is a condition when you are still feeling the urge to sleep during the day. It is normal to feel a little bit sleepy during unholy hours of the day, such as after a hearty meal or a cold weather. But when you feel sleepy during driving, or in the middle of everyday activities, then you may have a sleep disorder.
In this case, you also need to change your sleeping habits during the night. Extreme physical activities should be done 2-3 hours before sleeping. You also need to establish a sleep ritual to signal your body that it is time to sleep. If your narcolepsy is getting worse, you may need to consult a physician.
FREQUENT MOOD SWINGS AND IRRITABILITY
A good night sleep should result to a refreshed and energized individual. But when you are feeling irritable and moody in the morning, you might have a sleep disorder.
Aside from developing sleeping habits and ritual, you can also keep a sleep diary. You can list everything about your sleep pattern, including what you do in order to fall asleep, the activities you engaged, the food you’ve eaten and the fluids you took and any medications.
Keep doing this for a week. It may help you and your physician to diagnose what causes your sleep disorder and what you can do about it.
