Always tired? 7 signs it could be a sleep disorder
We know you’re tired mama, but hear us out: Sometimes being tired all the time is a symptom of something besides motherhood! We did the research and compiled the most common symptoms of a sleep disorder. Rule out serious sleep problems with our list below.
7 signs of a sleep disorder:
1. You snore. A lot. And loudly.
Snoring is pretty common and often harmless, so don’t be too alarmed. But snoring every night, loudly and often, or waking yourself up from snoring can be signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (or OSA). OSA is the most common sleep-related disorder. Someone with OSA will stop and start breathing repeatedly during sleep due to a blocked airway.
2. You have one or more risk factors for OSA.
There are many risk factors for OSA. The most common include obesity, hypertension, smoking, family history of OSA, asthma, and sex (men are more likely to have OSA). If you have one or more risk factors and are experiencing ANY symptoms of OSA, it’s time to call your doctor. Take the STOP-BANG Questionnaire to determine your risk level.
3. You have stopped breathing or have choked during sleep.
People with OSA will have periods of not breathing (called apneas) during sleep. Sometimes snoring will stop suddenly during an apnea, then begin again several seconds later, as if the person is holding their breath. They may also wake up coughing or gasping during the night. If your partner has witnessed you stop breathing during sleep, schedule an appointment ASAP to be evaluated for OSA. If you sleep alone but suspect OSA due to waking up coughing or having a sore throat in the morning, ask your doctor about a home sleep test to rule out OSA.
4. You are tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep.
As a mom, it may be hard to remember a time when you weren’t tired, but if you are getting enough sleep at night (aka not a mom of babies/toddlers/children with sleep issues) it is not normal to always be tired. People with sleep disorders do not get good quality sleep at night and are more tired during the day.
5. You are tired all the time and have sudden bouts of muscle weakness or fatigue.
If you feel tired daily or notice times of sudden muscle weakness, especially if it occurs while experiencing strong emotions, it may be time to ask your doctor about two conditions called Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia. Narcolepsy is rare, but it often takes patients years to be diagnosed. Idiopathic hypersomnia is similar but without the muscle weakness of narcolepsy. Take the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and if you score 10 or more, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
6. You experience restless sleep or have repetitive, jerking movements during sleep.
Waking up at night is not unusual for moms, but frequent awakenings may be a symptom of other types of sleep disorders. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, or PLMD, causes repetitive, jerking movements or cramping in the legs during sleep. It is estimated that 4-11% of the population may experience PLMD. Even if the movements don’t wake you up, they will still affect sleep quality and lead to excessive daytime sleepiness.
7. You are waking up your partner at night.
Maybe you are constantly moving during sleep. Or are acting out dreams. You may snore so loudly it is difficult for your partner to get any rest. Many symptoms of sleep disorders go unrecognized because the person experiencing them is sleeping! If you are feeling tired during the day, and your partner is tired because of your bedtime behaviors, address these symptoms with your doctor so that you and your partner can start getting a good night’s sleep.
While motherhood and sleep disruption go hand in hand, it’s important to ensure there isn’t an underlying medical condition. There are many complications that can occur when sleep disorders are left untreated besides sleepiness and fatigue. Untreated OSA can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease including stroke. Sleep disorders and chronic sleep deprivation can interfere with memory, mood, and even vision.
