Difficulties with Sleep: Should I See a Doctor or Will It Go Away?

"I struggle to fall asleep for a long time, tossing and turning for 2-3 hours, I've already reconsidered everything I could," "I wake up 3-4 times every night, haven't felt refreshed in the morning for a while," "I wake up an hour before my alarm and can't fall back asleep," "I had a nightmare."

Sounds familiar?

How do you know whether you can handle it on your own or if you need to speak with a professional?

Below are typical signs of sleep disorders that will help you determine which difficulties with sleep you can "tough out" and when it's better to seek help from a specialist:

• You find it difficult to fall asleep (it takes more than 20-30 minutes).
• You often wake up at night and find it difficult to fall back asleep.
• You wake up too early and can't fall back asleep.
• You experience excessive sleepiness even if you've slept for at least 7 hours.
• You may involuntarily fall asleep during the day, for example, while driving.
• You have breathing difficulties during sleep: snoring, gasping for air, mouth breathing.
• You often have nightmares.
• You experience unpleasant sensations in your legs and a strong urge to move them.

If you have one or more signs from this list and these difficulties occur no less than 3 times a week for at least 3 months, and also cause significant discomfort or disruption in your social, professional, or any other important area of your life, it is safer to seek help from a sleep consultant or doctor.

How's your sleep? Share what helps you sleep better? Your experience can help others cope with similar difficulties.

Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5 (2013). By American Psychiatric Association