Sleep is a cornerstone of health, yet many people overlook the signs of sleep disorders, dismissing them as mere fatigue or stress. Recognizing when to seek professional help from a sleep disorder doctor can be life-changing, as untreated sleep issues can lead to serious health complications. At the Sleep Center in Dhaka, led by Dr. M. Muinul Hafiz, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders to help you achieve restful, restorative sleep. Below are key signs that indicate it’s time to consult a sleep specialist.
Signs You’re Not Just “Tired”
Feeling tired occasionally is normal, but persistent exhaustion that impacts your daily life may signal a sleep disorder. If you’re getting enough hours of sleep (typically 7–9 hours for adults) but still feel drained, unrefreshed, or irritable, this could point to an underlying issue like sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless legs syndrome. A sleep disorder doctor can evaluate your symptoms through diagnostic tools like polysomnography to uncover the root cause.
Chronic Insomnia That Persists
Insomnia is more than just trouble falling asleep. If you experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early for at least three nights a week over three months, you may have chronic insomnia. This condition can stem from stress, anxiety, medical issues, or poor sleep habits. A sleep specialist can recommend tailored treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or medication, to break the cycle of sleeplessness.
Loud Snoring or Gasping for Air During Sleep
Loud, persistent snoring, especially if accompanied by choking or gasping sounds, is a red flag for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, reducing oxygen levels and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. If your partner notices these symptoms or you wake up feeling unrefreshed despite a full night’s sleep, consult a sleep disorder doctor for a sleep study and treatment options like CPAP therapy.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Falling asleep during the day—at work, while driving, or during conversations—indicates excessive daytime sleepiness, a hallmark of disorders like narcolepsy or sleep apnea. This isn’t just about feeling tired; it’s a debilitating condition that can impair safety and productivity. A sleep specialist can assess your sleep patterns and medical history to identify the cause and recommend interventions to restore alertness.
Unusual Movements or Sensations at Night
If you experience twitching, jerking, or uncomfortable sensations in your legs at night, you might have restless legs syndrome (RLS) or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). These conditions disrupt sleep and can leave you fatigued during the day. A sleep disorder doctor can perform tests to diagnose these movement disorders and prescribe treatments, such as lifestyle changes or medications, to alleviate symptoms.
Frequent Nighttime Awakenings
Waking up multiple times during the night, even briefly, can fragment your sleep and prevent you from reaching deep, restorative stages. This could be due to sleep apnea, nocturia (frequent urination at night), or other medical conditions. A sleep specialist can help identify the cause through a detailed evaluation and suggest targeted treatments to improve sleep continuity.
Sleep Disruptions Caused by Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, chronic pain, or respiratory issues, can interfere with sleep. For example, acid reflux (GERD) can cause nighttime awakenings, while asthma may worsen breathing during sleep. If you suspect a medical condition is affecting your sleep, a sleep disorder doctor can collaborate with other specialists to address both the sleep issue and the underlying condition.
Behavioral or Cognitive Effects
Sleep disorders don’t just affect your body—they impact your mind. Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mood swings, or increased irritability can all stem from poor sleep. In children, sleep disorders may manifest as behavioral issues, hyperactivity, or poor academic performance. A sleep specialist can assess these symptoms and recommend treatments to improve cognitive and emotional well-being.
Secondary Symptoms — Headaches, Weight Gain, Hypertension
Untreated sleep disorders can lead to secondary health issues. Morning headaches, unexplained weight gain, and high blood pressure are often linked to conditions like sleep apnea. These symptoms arise because poor sleep disrupts hormonal balance, increases inflammation, and strains the cardiovascular system. A sleep disorder doctor can help manage these symptoms by treating the underlying sleep issue, potentially reducing the need for additional medications.
When Self-Help Doesn’t Work
Many people try self-help strategies like improving sleep hygiene, avoiding caffeine, or using relaxation techniques, but these may not be enough for a true sleep disorder. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes for several weeks without improvement, it’s time to seek professional help. At the Sleep Center in Dhaka, our team, led by Dr. M. Muinul Hafiz, uses advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to address complex sleep issues.
Take the Next Step
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t ignore them. Sleep disorders are treatable, and early intervention can prevent long-term health complications. Contact the Sleep Center in Dhaka at sleepcenterbd@gmail.com or call +88 01955533859 or +88 01955533869 to schedule a consultation. Our clinic at ENT Care Center, SANMAR TOWER-2, 13th Floor, House-38/A, Road-35, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh is open from Saturday to Thursday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Let us help you reclaim restful, rejuvenating sleep.