How do I know if I have a sleep disorder?

First, you should know the statistics. Nearly 70 million Americans have sleep disorders, and 1 in 3 people will be affected by a sleep disorder in her or his lifetime.

Globally, it's estimated that up to 45% of the world's population suffers from some type of sleep issue.

Some experts have called sleep deprivation a "public health epidemic." Severe or prolonged sleep deprivation can adversely affect one's overall health and quality of life. Sleep apnea has been linked to increased risks of strokes, heart failure, high blood pressure, obesity, and abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation. And people who experience insomnia report that they are negatively impacted physically and mentally by the disorder.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with a sleep doctor:

excessive daytime tiredness

gasping for air or trouble breathing at night

a lot of movement while you're trying to go to sleep

irregular sleep patterns

difficulty falling asleep

Most sleep doctors can diagnose and treat sleep disorders very effectively.

Out of the 80 sleep disorders in the world, the four most common ones are as follows:

Insomnia

The most common sleep disorder in the world, insomnia is when you struggle to fall or stay asleep throughout the night.

Sleep Apnea

The second most common sleep disorder in the world, sleep apnea causes you to experience abnormal breathing patterns while you're asleep. There are several kinds of sleep apnea.

Restless Leg Syndrome

This sleep movement disorder that causes intense, uncomfortable sensations accompanied by an often irresistible urge to move one's legs.

Narcolepsy

A neurological disorder of sleep regulation that impacts the control of sleep and wakefulness. Many people often experience excessive daytime drowsiness and intermittent, uncontrollable episodes in which they fall asleep during the day. Muscle weakness can also occur when people laugh or display other emotions.

If you have any questions or concerns, seek medical advice from a sleep specialist or doctor.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, American Sleep Association, NCBI, The Mayo Clinic