Raj Gupta, M.D.
Pulmonary Medicine

I wake up several times during the night. Could I have a sleep disorder?

Everyone has trouble sleeping now and then. Anxiety, caffeine, alcohol and exercise shortly before bedtime all can disturb normal sleep patterns. However, if the problem persists, it could indicate a medical problem. Psychological conditions such as depression can cause insomnia, as can allergies and hyperthyroidism. But several disorders affect sleep primarily. These include sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome.

People who have sleep apnea actually stop breathing for short periods of time while asleep. A bed partner might notice extremely loud snoring. People with narcolepsy have an abnormal tendency to sleep during the day. In many cases, it is accompanied by attacks of temporary paralysis. Restless legs syndrome is characterized by creeping sensations deep inside the calves and an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially while lying down.

In general, the following symptoms often indicate a sleep disorder: loud, disruptive snoring, interrupted breathing, choking or gasping during sleep, thrashing at night, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue on awakening, morning headaches, poor concentration or memory loss, and unexplained high blood pressure.

If you’re unable to resolve your sleeplessness by making behavioral changes such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol and late evening exercise, you may benefit from a sleep evaluation. The physicians at South Suburban Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center have the training and the experience to diagnose your sleep disorder—and have you catching your ZZZs in no time.