In these troubling times, many people are having difficulty sleeping at night. Sometimes, due to passing worries, some people experience difficulty sleeping. This type of sleep disturbance is temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If you are having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep for more than a few weeks you may suffer from a more concerning sleep issue.
Symptoms that may indicate an underlying condition include waking up gasping for breath, being observed appearing to choke in your sleep, snoring, and waking up with headaches.
Luckily, with new technology, you may be evaluated in the comfort of your own bed with a device which monitors and records your heart rate and breathing for one night. The streamlined device includes a strap around your chest and a device that attaches to your finger. The recording is then sent to a physician sleep specialist to interpret the results. If any abnormalities are found, recommendations or referrals will be made to help you correct or improve your sleep.
For more information regarding sleep irregularities and testing, talk to your provider.
By: Brooke Steiger, FNP