How can I tell if I'm not getting enough sleep?
"Sleep is essential for your body and mind to function at their best," says Kelly L. Coleman, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, with the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) team at ARC Far West Medical Tower in Austin and ARC South 1st Specialty and Pediatrics in Austin. "When you get enough sleep, you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. When you don't get enough sleep, your alertness, mood, and productivity can suffer."
If you frequently find yourself feeling tired, drowsy, or fatigued during the day, it could be a sign of sleep deprivation. Other signs include:
- Brain fog
- Impaired memory
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
How much sleep is enough?
Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal brain function and overall health. However, sleep needs vary depending on age, lifestyle, and medical conditions. If you frequently wake up feeling unrested or experience mental health concerns, it may be time to see an ENT doctor or an advanced practice clinician (APC) specializing in sleep medicine.
What causes sleep deprivation?
Many factors can contribute to a lack of sleep, including:
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Poor sleep habits
People with insomnia may struggle to fall or stay asleep at night, while those with sleep apnea may wake up frequently, affecting their overall health.
Using electronic devices before bed, drinking caffeine late in the day, or having an inconsistent sleep schedule can also disrupt your ability to rest and experience deep dream cycles. If you suspect a medical condition is affecting your sleep, an ENT doctor or APC can help diagnose and address any underlying ear, nose, and throat issues that may be interfering with your breathing at night.
What are the possible consequences of sleep deprivation?
Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to:
- Impaired memory
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Increased risk of mental health issues
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Cognition problems
"Remember, if you're waking up feeling refreshed and can go through your daily life without feeling sleepy, then your sleep need is being met," says Kelly. "If you are not waking up feeling refreshed, seeking treatment from a doctor or APC can help identify the best solutions, whether it's lifestyle changes, therapy, or specialized sleep medicine to improve your quality of rest."
Make an appointment today
Kelly is accepting new patients ages 17 and older who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. To make an appointment, call ARC Far West Medical Tower at 512-346-8888 or ARC South 1st Specialty and Pediatrics at 512-443-1311.