There is no set time of day when sleep difficulties are more likely to become apparent. Your ability to maintain energy throughout the day, whether for work or play, will be significantly hindered.
In previous years, several patients had revealed that they first had anxiety when it was time to schedule their sleep test. Some of them felt uneasy about spending the night away from home if they have to go to a sleep lab, or that the equipment at home will keep them awake. While others admitted that they were hesitant to investigate the factors affecting their ability to sleep. We also know that the results of a sleep test can impact your ability to hold a driver’s license, or a certain job. But for your safety, and the safety of others, the best thing you can do in these cases are to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Ignorance is not good when it comes to getting enough sleep. These warning signals can help you decide if a sleep test is necessary for you or a loved one.
1. Inability to Focus
If you can’t stay focused on what you are doing and your thoughts are drifting throughout the day, a sleep test is almost certainly in order. Some people may feel more irritable, more easily frustrated, and forgetful than usual. If you don’t think you can sleep at night, you may find that your day is even more difficult.
2. Frequent Snoring
If you get a good night’s sleep, you’re unlikely to notice if you snore. However, you may be keeping others awake. Even if you feel you sleep well, if you snore you should have your sleep checked, as there is no such thing as “benign snoring”. Waking up gasping is a sure sign that your airways are closing at night and should be checked as soon as you can.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Depression is a serious mental disorder that is often underdiagnosed and is often found tangled in with sleep disorders. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns can both cause and be caused by poor sleep or underlying sleep disorders. If your sleep has been impacted by your mental health, or vice versa, make sure you are treating both issues and incorporate a sleep specialist into your health care team. Especially in young women or mothers, sleep disorders are diagnosed and treated as depression.
4. Recurring Fatigue
There are times in life when you may be battling fatigue, but these episodes are temporary. However, if you’re constantly feeling drained throughout the day, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder.
Sometimes, a sleeping disorder can even lead to the development of other medical conditions. If you’re feeling fatigued and contemplating getting a sleep test, speak to your physician.
5. Irritability and Mood Swings
If you’re not getting the right amount of sleep, you may find that it’s getting in the way of things you enjoy. Lack of sleep inhibits your ability to properly moderate your moods, which are already at risk of being poor if you are feeling too fatigued to do things that would elevate your mood, such as exercising, getting out in nature, or hanging out with friends.
If you are struggling with being irritable in situations when you know you shouldn’t be, it might be time to look at your sleep and ensure you are getting the proper rest and recover you need every night.
Conclusion
Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important for adults as children. A sleep test can help you learn about the quality of your sleep and the factors affecting your ability to sleep.
If you’ve been having difficulty sleeping for a few weeks or months, you may consider getting a sleep test. Are you trying to find a sleep test centre in Vancouver? Get in touch with Sleep Better Live Better as soon as possible! Our sleep clinics in Surrey, North Vancouver, and Victoria all have a team of qualified professionals.
