Understanding
sleep disorders

At Forbes.health, we provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing improving and managing sleep disorders. Sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being and disruptions to sleep patterns can significantly impact your health, mood and productivity. Understanding the symptoms, root causes and treatment strategies is key to addressing sleep issues effectively.

Common symptoms of sleep disorders

Symptoms of sleep disorders can vary based on the underlying condition, but some common signs include:

Overview of symptoms by sleep disorder

Sleep disorder	Common symptoms
Insomnia	Difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, feeling tired upon waking, daytime fatigue or irritability
Sleep Apnea	Loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, waking up gasping for air, morning headaches, daytime drowsiness
Narcolepsy	Sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks, excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness), hallucinations during sleep transitions
Restless Leg Syndrome	Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, urge to move legs (especially at night), difficulty falling or staying asleep
Circadian Rhythm Disorders	Difficulty falling asleep at a desired time, trouble waking up in the morning, fatigue and reduced alertness during the day

Key overlapping symptoms

Symptom	Description
Fatigue	A common sign across most sleep disorders.
Mood Changes	Irritability, anxiety, or depression caused by insufficient rest.
Daytime Drowsiness	Persistent tiredness despite adequate sleep time.
Concentration Issues	Difficulty focusing or memory problems due to poor sleep quality.

Sleep disorders can present overlapping symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. For a comprehensive evaluation and treatment, consult our Functional Medicine specialists.

The power of sleepfor your health

Curious to learn more and go deeper into the topics that impact your health? Our blog offers detailed articles and expert interviews that unpack the latest insights, tips, and real-life experiences. We take you beyond the essentials, offering guidance and stories that help you stay informed and empowered. Explore more on our blog—because understanding the whole picture can make all the difference.

PREVIEW

To gain a better understanding of what exactly happens during sleep and how we can improve our sleep quality, I sat down with sleep expert Riley Javis. Riley has helped countless people sleep better and improve their health, making him a true expert in the field. He explains why sleep is so essential, what we can do to improve it and what the consequences are of sleep deprivation.

Root causes of sleep disorders

Identifying the root causes of sleep disorders is essential for effective treatment. Common contributors include:

Stress and anxiety: Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with the ability to fall and stay asleep.
Lifestyle factors: Irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time, and poor sleep hygiene contribute to sleep issues.
Medical conditions: Chronic illnesses such as asthma, GERD, or heart disease may disrupt sleep.
Neurological conditions: Issues such as restless leg syndrome or narcolepsy stem from neurological factors.
Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormones, particularly during menopause or thyroid dysfunction, can affect sleep quality.
Sleep environment: Factors like noise, light, and an uncomfortable mattress can hinder restful sleep.
Medications and substances: Certain drugs, caffeine, or alcohol may interfere with sleep.
Circadian rhythm disruptions: Irregular work schedules or jet lag can disturb natural sleep-wake cycles.
Sleep apnea risk factors: Obesity, enlarged tonsils, or structural issues can lead to sleep apnea.

Addressing these underlying factors can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health.

Advanced lab tests for sleep disorders

We utilise advanced testing and tools to assess sleep disorders and their root causes. These tests include:

Diagnostic lab test	Purpose	Indication of results
Actigraphy	Uses a wearable device to track movement and activity levels over an extended period.	Helps diagnose insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and assess overall sleep quality.
Cortisol testing (salivary or blood)	Assesses cortisol levels at different times of the day.	Elevated nighttime cortisol can indicate stress-related sleep disruptions.
Thyroid function tests	Evaluates TSH, T3, and T4 levels.	Imbalances in thyroid hormones can cause insomnia or fatigue.
Iron and ferritin levels	Checks for iron deficiency or low ferritin levels.	Low ferritin is often associated with restless leg syndrome (RLS).
Vitamin D testing	Measures vitamin D levels.	Deficiency can lead to fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Allergy and food sensitivity tests	Identifies dietary triggers that may cause inflammation or discomfort affecting sleep.	Helps manage diet-related sleep problems.

Importance of these tests

These tests allow us to pinpoint the root causes of your sleep issues and develop a tailored treatment plan. For example, sleep apnea patients may benefit from CPAP therapy, while those with insomnia may require cognitive-behavioral therapy or stress management techniques.

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Understanding sleep disorders