Diagnosis
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Diagnosis
Irshaad Ebrahim (Medical Director of The London Sleep Centre) gives expert video advice on: How do you know if you have a sleep disorder?; Can you be unaware you have a sleep disorder?; How difficult is it to diagnose a sleep disorder? and more...
Can you be unaware you have a sleep disorder?
Sleep disorders tend to be underreported by people at large. One of the reasons for that is because of a lack of education or awareness about sleep disorders or symptoms of sleep disorders. In a second instance, people with sleep apnea for example, might not think they have a <a href="http://www.videojug.com/interview/sleep-disorders-3">sleep disorder</a> because they have no problem falling asleep anywhere. So it is in these instances where the people around them might make them aware of having a sleep disorder or symptoms of a sleep disorder.
How difficult is it to diagnose a sleep disorder?
Once one has done a thorough assessment and done a sleep study, it is relatively simple to diagnose because the criteria for the different sleep disorders is now well laid out in the international classification of sleep disorders. So for example, if you have <a href="http://www.videojug.com/interview/hypersomnia-2">hypersomnia</a>, you can now just check the symptoms on the classification list.
What should people do if they think they have a sleep disorder?
If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder the most important thing is to be able to obtain appropriate help, in a timely manner. Ask your GP about the symptoms of sleep disorders, and also look on websites.