Recognizing sleep problems

Recognizing sleep problems is sometimes difficult. For example, people are often unaware that they have breathing pauses during sleep. This is often only recognized by the partner or diagnosed in the sleep laboratory. Conversely, it can also be the case that people sleep longer and better than they themselves believe. In the following, you will find some initial indications that may point to sleep problems. A precise clarification should always be carried out by a specialist.

How do I know that my sleep quality or quantity is not sufficient?

Increased daytime sleepiness

You have an increased need for sleep during the day and fall asleep quickly and frequently in monotonous situations (TV, lectures, as a passenger in the car in front of a red light, etc.).

Snoring and breathing pauses
Other people draw your attention to your loud snoring and possibly also to breathing pauses during sleep.
Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep

You are dissatisfied with your own sleep quality. You have difficulty falling asleep or lie awake for long periods at night. In addition, the quality of sleep affects your well-being during the day: you are irritable, tired or even feel ill. In addition, your performance is impaired. This condition occurs frequently and over a long period of time (e.g. more than one month).

Nightmares

You suffer from recurring nightmares and feel emotionally burdened by these nightmares.

Overview of sleep disorders
The most common sleep disorders are:
Insomnia

This is the collective term for difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Those affected cannot fall asleep well or wake up frequently at night. Sleep duration and sleep quality are insufficient. Insomnia can be treated.

Sleep apnea

In people with obstructive sleep apnea, the airways temporarily close during sleep. Short breathing pauses at night ensure that sleep is not restful. Sleep apnea can be treated.

Restless Legs

This is a collective term for twitching and tingling limbs (especially legs) while falling asleep. Restless Legs can interfere with falling asleep.