Millions of Americans experience sleep-related problems, and some symptoms that occur during sleep could indicate undiagnosed health conditions or sleep disorders, according to medical experts. While excessive daytime fatigue is a common realization of disrupted sleep, individuals may misattribute its causes to stress or caffeine rather than underlying medical issues.
Breathing Irregularities During Sleep
Gasping for air during sleep is frequently a symptom of sleep apnea, a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. This can occur as throat muscles relax and narrow or close off the airway during sleep. Associated symptoms include snoring, choking, dry mouth, and headaches upon waking. Postnasal drip, caused by mucus blocking airways, can also lead to gasping. Acid reflux is another potential cause, where stomach acids irritate the esophagus, sometimes resulting in an acidic taste in the mouth.
Snoring, another common sign of sleep apnea, results from vibrating tissues in a narrowed airway. It can also stem from allergies, colds, or being overweight. Additional symptoms may include shortness of breath and increased sweating during sleep.
Parasomnias and Sleep Disruptions
Sleepwalking, a parasomnia, occurs during deep non-REM sleep when the brain is in a transitional state between sleep and wakefulness. Triggers can include sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, fever, certain medications, and alcohol consumption.
Sleep talking, or somniloquy, is another common parasomnia. It is more frequent in individuals with mental illnesses and can be associated with sleepwalking and nightmares. Emotional stress, fevers, and substance misuse can also contribute to sleep talking.
Chronic nightmares can be linked to psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Changes in sleep schedules that reduce sleep duration can also increase their frequency. If persistent nightmares cause distress or interfere with daily functioning, medical attention is advised.
Other Sleep-Related Concerns
Nocturia, the frequent need to urinate during the night, can be a sign of aging bladder function or more serious medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, enlarged prostate, or chronic kidney failure. Limiting fluid intake before bed and monitoring urination patterns can help identify causes.
Sleep bruxism, the clenching or grinding of teeth during sleep, is a sleep-related movement disorder that can lead to headaches and jaw pain. It is often associated with stress, anxiety, or dental bite issues.
Falling asleep too quickly, particularly when not getting sufficient sleep, can indicate sleep deprivation or disorders like narcolepsy, a condition characterized by sudden, overwhelming sleepiness and involuntary sleep attacks.
Sleep-related eating disorders (SRED) involve consuming food while asleep, often unaware of the actions. This can be triggered by medications like sleep aids or by other sleep disorders. Individuals with SRED are at risk of injury and other health complications.
Monitoring Sleep Issues
For individuals living alone, identifying sleep disturbances can be challenging. Sleep trackers, including wearable devices, bedside monitors, and bed sensors, can collect data on movement, heart rate, and breathing patterns. While these consumer devices are not used for clinical diagnosis, the collected data can assist medical professionals in determining if further clinical testing is beneficial for diagnosing potential sleep disorders or underlying health concerns.