Signs and Symptoms

Understanding Your Sleep Problems

Do you have sleep apnea, insomnia or another sleep disorder? Did you know that untreated sleep disorders can lead to serious health problems including:

• Shortened lifespan
• Premature stroke
• Heart attack
• Lung disorders
• High blood pressure
• Increase risk of diabetes

Risk Factors

Risk factors vary, but common causes include:

• Family history of sleep disorders
• Physical abnormalities involving the upper airway
• Excess body weight
• Use of alcohol and/or medications that cause sleepiness
• Use of antidepressants
• Caffeine consumption
• Stress
• Chemical imbalance
• Autoimmune deficiency
• Disorder involving the neurological, metabolic or endocrine system, such as epilepsy

Symptoms

Symptoms of sleep disorders, both physical and behavioral, include:

• Snoring
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Unusual behaviors like walking and talking during sleep

There are a number of potential sleep disorders including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy and insomnia. The sleep specialists at Summa Health can help. They have extensive training in treatment options, effective medications and behavioral therapy.

Complete this simple quiz to see if you are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea.