Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you wake up and struggle to get back to sleep? You’re not alone. In the United States, 50 to 70 million adults have a sleeping disorder. If you think you may be one of them, it’s time to contact Family Medical Specialists of Florida, PLC. With an office conveniently located in Plant City, Florida, this family practice helps you get the z’s you need. To find out more about sleep disorders and at-home sleep studies, call Family Medical Specialists today or go online to book your initial consultation.
Sleeping Disorders Q & A
What are common sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders are a common diagnosis among Americans. Over 35% of adults get less than the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep a night and 48% report snoring, a common side effect of certain sleep disorders.
If you, like many Americans, have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feel tired throughout the day, you may suffer from a sleep disorder. Some of the most common include:
- Insomnia: When you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep
- Sleep apnea: When your breathing becomes interrupted when you sleep
- Restless leg syndrome: When uncomfortable sensations make you want to move your legs
- Narcolepsy: When you fall asleep randomly and unintentionally throughout the day
- Parasomnias: When you suffer from night terrors, nightmares, sleepwalking, etc.
Most sleep disorders respond to treatments and can often improve with a good bedtime routine.
How can I improve my sleep?
With a few habit changes, you can improve your sleep hygiene and enhance the quality and duration of your sleep. The team at Family Medical Specialists of Florida recommend that you:
- Go to bed and get up around the same time everyday, even on the weekends
- Cut back on caffeine and don’t drink any caffeinated beverages after the evening
- Remove lights from your bedroom, including those on televisions and alarm clocks
- Unplug from your mobile devices 30-60 minutes before bed to give your mind time to unwind
- Keep your bedroom like a cave: cool and dark
- Develop a bedtime routine that includes reading, meditating, or a gratitude exercise
You can also improve your sleep by eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day can also decrease the symptoms of a sleep disorder.
If these changes don’t improve your sleep, your doctor may opt for a medication to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. In some cases, you may need a dental guard or breathing device.
What is an at-home sleep study?
If necessary, your doctor may do an at-home sleep study to gather more information about how you sleep and what kind of sleep disturbances interrupt your slumber. They give you a mobile monitoring device that can track your oxygen levels, heart rate, body movements, and more.
If you think a sleep study could help you, call the office today or go online to book your appointment.