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Why Persistent Insomnia and Other Sleep Problems Get Ignored


Up to 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder such as chronic insomnia--and this condition and

Over 40 million don't get properly treated or diagnosed, according to study published in the

Some people may be unaware of sleep interruptions, and often, "patients do not bring their sleep to
The interest of doctors because they don't think it's 'medical' or think they should tough it out," says

Boston.

To sleep medicine, and doctors might not routinely discuss sleep problems at office visits. A study in

New patients about insomnia or other sleep difficulties, although many had signs of problems. Doctors
Might also find it difficult to pinpoint which of the 60 sleep disorders is the culprit because symptoms
May be unclear, and other illnesses and habits may affect rest.

Provider can help rule out illnesses that can affect sleep, such as depression and overactive thyroid,
And might be able to zero in on the cause of your sleep problem. If not, a board-certified sleep
Specialist can conduct a detailed evaluation.
evaluated.
Chronic Insomnia

Asleep at least three times each week for three months or longer (Typical insomnia occurs less often
or for a shorter period of time).
About symptoms and their effects--whether, for instance, your partner says that you snore. He will
Also ask lifestyle questions and try to identify whether habits such as heavy caffeine or alcohol
Consumption, use of electronic devices near bedtime, or medications could be contributing.
If your doctor can't get to the root of your insomnia, see a sleep medicine physician. This specialist

Testing, which will help track your sleep schedule with a wristwatchlike device. If the sleep Medication

polysomnogram. Here, as you sleep, electrodes record your brain waves, heartbeat, breathing, eye
Movements and blood oxygen levels. Sensors measure chest movement and the strength and
duration of your breaths.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, characterized by numerous brief pauses in breathing during sleep,
Can cause substantial daytime sleepiness. Sufferers may also fall asleep at inappropriate times.
An estimated 25 million Americans have OSA, with 12 million to 18 million undiagnosed. And
research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that OSA may often be
misdiagnosed as depression.
To properly diagnose OSA, you'll need a sleep lab polysomnogram or an overnight home sleep
apnea test, where electrodes record breathing and heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and chest
movements but usually not brain waves. This may not detect mild apnea and is prone to false
Negatives, so if results are negative but your physician strongly suspects apnea, you will want a
polysomnogram.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, which affects about 10 percent of American adults, causes leg
Sensations like burning, a creepy-crawly feeling, throbbing, and an uncontrollable urge to move
your lower limbs. That can make it hard to fall asleep and can wake you up.
Doctors might mistake RLS for conditions such as anxiety, arthritis, back injury, and poor circulation.
It can also mimic diabetic neuropathy. In 1 study, 81 percent of people with RLS reported
symptoms to their doctor, but just 6 percent received proper diagnoses.
You don't need a polysomnogram to diagnose RLS unless your Physician can't pinpoint which sleep
disorder you have. A symptom history and exam should be enough, says the American Academy of
Sleep Medicine.