Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Symptoms?

Insomnia:

Typical symptoms: the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night, waking up earlier than usual, or daytime fatigue. However, most people with insomnia do not fall asleep in inappropriate situations. If this does occur, it may signal that a medical disorder (such as sleep apnea) is the cause of the insomnia.

Sleep apnea:

Excessive daytime sleepiness is the primary symptom. Some people will deny sleepiness but feel very fatigued. Other symptoms are snoring, snorting, and gasping sounds when you sleep -- often first noticed by a sleeping partner. Restless or unrefreshing sleep is also typical, as are headaches in the morning.

Narcolepsy:

Excessive sleepiness during the day, alleviated by naps, may be symptoms of narcolepsy. Also, dreaming during naps and experiencing dream-like hallucinations as you fall asleep are warning signs. Loss of muscle control (cataplexy) that occurs with emotion, such as laughing or anger, and the inability to move (feeling paralyzed) when you are going to sleep or waking up (called sleep paralysis) are also symptoms.

Restless leg syndrome:

The primary warning sign is the irresistible urge to move your legs shortly after you get into bed, or in the middle of the night after awakening -- and it usually feels better if you get up to walk around or if you move or rub your leg. "Creepy-crawly" or twitching feeling in your calves, feet, thighs, or arms are also symptoms of restless leg syndrome (the range of sensations of discomfort can be quite varied). In addition, leg movements during sleep, and sometimes while awake, may be warning signs.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Your sleep does not improve with self-help techniques, such as establishing sleep hygiene, cutting down on caffeine, exercising, and using relaxation techniques.
• You think your sleep problems may be related to an underlying condition, such as depression or heart failure.
• You snore very loudly or make snorting or gasping noises while you sleep.
• You fall asleep while doing normal activities, such as talking or driving.
• You regularly feel unrefreshed on awakening and are constantly fatigued. Sleep disorders are among the many possible causes for fatigue.
• You suspect your medication is causing your sleep problems.