Getting enough sleep is important for both your body and mind. When you rest, your body repairs itself, and your brain organizes what you learned that day. Many people do not realize their trouble sleeping might be caused by a sleep disorder. As a doctor, I have seen patients who miss the signs of these problems. Knowing the warning signals can help you find answers and get better sleep. This article explains six signs that you might have a sleep disorder and suggests ways to treat or manage them.

1. Persistent Daytime Fatigue

Everyone feels tired sometimes, but feeling tired almost every day can be a bigger problem. Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, or narcolepsy can make it hard to get good-quality rest. This means you might feel worn out even when you think you have slept enough hours. Constant daytime sleepiness can lead to problems at school or work and can affect your relationships.

If you find yourself nodding off when you should be awake—like during class, a meeting, or even a conversation—it might be time to speak with a doctor. Daytime fatigue can also cause moodiness and problems concentrating. If left untreated, these disorders can lead to other health issues, such as high blood pressure.

2. Snoring or Choking During Sleep

An occasional soft snore might not be serious, but loud and frequent snoring are the hallmark signs of obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, the tissues at the back of your throat block your airway, causing you to briefly stop breathing. You might wake up gasping or choking, which disrupts your rest.

Snoring can also be caused by a stuffy nose, being overweight, or sleeping on your back. Some changes, like losing weight or avoiding alcohol, can help if your snoring is mild. However, if you or your partner notice that you stop breathing at night, see a doctor because sleep apnea can lead to serious health concerns like heart problems or stroke.

3. Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep

Some people have a hard time falling asleep because they cannot quiet their racing thoughts or they feel stressed or anxious. Others wake up many times during the night or wake up too early and cannot fall back asleep. This is called insomnia. It can be caused by stress, mental health issues like depression, or medical conditions like chronic pain. Poor sleep habits and too much caffeine can also make insomnia worse.

Insomnia can lower your quality of life. You might struggle with focus at work or school, feel irritable, or even be at greater risk for accidents. If these problems last a long time, they can harm your physical and mental health.

4. Restless Legs or Unpleasant Sensations

Some people feel odd sensations in their legs or arms, such as crawling or tingling, especially when they lie down. This is called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). When you move your limbs, these feelings might improve for a while, but they often come back, making it hard to sleep peacefully.

RLS can happen to anyone, but it is more common in older adults. It can be related to low iron levels or kidney problems. Some medications can also cause RLS. Because it disrupts your rest, RLS can lead to daytime tiredness. A doctor can help discover if there is an underlying cause and suggest treatments like iron supplements, certain drugs, or lifestyle changes.

5. Morning Headaches

Waking up with a headache can be an early signal of a sleep disorder. People with sleep apnea often have morning headaches due to changes in breathing and oxygen levels during the night. If your headaches go away within an hour of getting up but happen almost every day, consider talking to a doctor.

Things like dehydration, poor posture, or grinding your teeth in your sleep can also make headaches worse. In many cases, getting the right treatment for the sleep problem can help reduce morning headaches.

6. Irregular Sleep Patterns

Some people naturally feel more energetic at night and struggle in the morning, while others get very sleepy at odd times. This can mean your internal clock is out of sync, known as a circadian rhythm disorder. Shift workers may have this issue because their job hours do not match the regular day-night cycle.

Teens often experience changes in their sleep schedule when they go through puberty, which can cause them to stay up late and have trouble waking up for school. If an irregular sleep schedule keeps you from doing daily tasks, you might benefit from seeing a healthcare professional. Treatment could include light therapy, using melatonin supplements, or following a more regular routine.

Treatment and Management

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, see a doctor for a thorough checkup. You may need a sleep study (Polysomnography) that measures your heart rate, breathing, and brain activity while you sleep. This can reveal breathing problems, unusual movements, or other issues.

Treatments vary depending on your diagnosis. For sleep apnea, you may need a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to keep your airway open. If you have restless legs, you might need iron supplements or medication. Counseling can help if insomnia is linked to anxiety or stress. It also helps to have a consistent bedtime, limit caffeine, avoid heavy meals before bed, and keep your bedroom dark and comfortable. Regular exercise, especially earlier in the day, can also improve sleep quality.

The bottom line

Not getting enough good sleep can sap your energy and affect your mood and health. Daytime tiredness, snoring, insomnia, restless legs, morning headaches, and irregular sleep patterns can all point to a sleep disorder. If you notice these signs over and over, do not ignore them.

Finding out what is causing your sleep problems and treating them can help you feel better, protect your heart, and improve your overall well-being. Talk to a medical professional and make lifestyle changes to get the restful sleep you need.