Symptoms of Sleep Disorders

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia can be caused by stress, discomfort, depression, anxiety, certain medications, illness, environmental factors or a disruption of your normal sleep schedule.

Symptoms of insomnia include:

• Racing thoughts when attempting to fall asleep
• Waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep
• Feeling sleepy during the day
• Problems with concentration or memory
• Irritability
• General tiredness

Insomnia can vary in how long it lasts and how often it occurs. If you think you might have insomnia, talk to your physician.

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that affects your ability to control when you fall asleep and awaken. If you have narcolepsy, you may suddenly fall asleep during any type of activity at any time of the day. Other symptoms of narcolepsy include:

• Feeling sleepy during the day, even though you slept well the previous night.
• Falling asleep while driving.
• Falling asleep in inappropriate situations, such as social gatherings or while eating.
• Often feeling dazed or drowsy.

If you think you may have narcolepsy, you should talk to your physician right away. Narcolepsy can put you at risk for automobile accidents, falls and other injuries if you do not seek treatment immediately.

Restless legs syndrome is a collection of symptoms, including a strong urge to move the lower legs to relieve uncomfortable sensations. The cause of restless legs syndrome is not yet known. Symptoms of restless legs syndrome include:

• Not being able to keep your legs still at night
• Being told that you kick during the night
• Achy or crawling sensations in your legs

There is no medical test to diagnose restless legs syndrome. There is also no cure. However, your physician will be able to help you treat the symptoms and improve your sleep.