What are the most common sleep disorders that affect adults?
There are more than 70 sleep disorders, but the following are the most commonly diagnosed among adults:
Sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea affects 18 million adults in the United States. This sleep-related breathing disorder occurs when the tissues at the back of your throat collapse throughout the night, blocking your airways. This causes your brain to rouse you repeatedly, preventing you from getting a good night’s rest.
Insomnia
This sleep disorder is characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Acute insomnia affects 25% of adults in the United States, though 75% of these cases resolve themselves. For those with chronic problems with insomnia, the disorder can wreak havoc on their lives, affecting how they function during the day.
Restless leg syndrome
This sleep-related movement disorder affects 5-10% of adults in the United States and is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move your legs at night.
Of course, there are many other sleep disorders that affect adults, but these represent some of the more common culprits. Whatever your problem, the sleep specialists at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center help you get to the bottom of the issue so that you can quickly receive the treatment you need.
How are adults sleep disorders diagnosed?
When you first sit down with your sleep specialist at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center, they perform a thorough review of your symptoms, your current health, and your medical history. Armed with this information, they decide the best way to diagnose your problem, which may include:
- A sleep study
- Lab tests
- An electroencephalogram (EEG)
- An actigraphy
You may need to do your part by maintaining a sleep diary that helps your sleep specialist better understand your sleep patterns.
How are adult sleep disorders treated?
The answer to this depends upon your diagnosis. The sleep specialists at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center keep abreast of all the latest treatment protocols for the many sleep disorders that affect adults and work with you until you find relief.
For expert management of your sleep disorder, call Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center or request a consultation using the online scheduling tool.
