Getting the right amount of nightly sleep can mean the world of difference in how awake and alert we feel during the day. You may even think you’re getting enough sleep at night because you go to bed 7-9 hours before you wake every morning, but you may not be aware that your sleep is being disturbed and causing you to feel drowsy during the day.
The following quiz is based on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a short questionnaire that is used by sleep professionals to measure a patients likelihood of falling asleep at inappropriate times during the day. Answers are helpful for sleep physicians in diagnosing (or ruling out) potential sleep disorders.
Common sleep disorders that cause excessive daytime sleepiness are many, but include: obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and more.
Take our sleep quizzes and see if your daytime drowsiness may be a cause for concern.
Based on the outcome of your sleep test, you may find that you could use some helpful tips on sleeping better at night. Click here to read more about causes to why you’re always tired.
Or watch this video for helpful tips to get better sleep at night:
Poor sleep could be a sign of a sleep disorder
If you practice the above guidelines of a healthier lifestyle and better sleeping habits but still find yourself suffering from daytime drowsiness, it may be a sign of a more severe medical condition such as: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), anemia, thyroid problems, narcolepsy, depression, restless leg syndrome, un-diagnosed heart disease, or deficiencies in key nutrients. If you think that you may be suffering from one of these medical conditions you should contact your physician or local sleep clinic immediately.
And remember, you can always contact us here at The Alaska Sleep Clinic for questions or to schedule a consultation.
If a sleep study may be what’s needed, click the link below to schedule a sleep study at one of our four locations across Alaska.
