Sleep Patterns and Associated Disorders

Answer yes or no to the following questions regarding your sleep patterns.  A guide for scoring the test follows the questions.

1. I have difficulty falling asleep.
2. Thoughts race through my mind and prevent me from sleeping.
3. I wake up during the night and have trouble going back to sleep.
4. I wake up earlier in the morning than I would like.
5. I sleep better on weekends.
6. I sleep better when traveling than in my own bed.
7. I’ve been told that I snore.
8. I suddenly wake up gasping for air during the night.
9. I’ve been told that I stop breathing while I sleep.
10. I feel tired or sleepy during the day even though I slept all night.
11. I have high blood pressure.
12. When I’m angry or surprised, I feel like I’m going limp.
13. I experience vivid dream-like scenes upon falling asleep or awakening.
14. No matter how hard I try to stay awake, I sometimes fall asleep anyway.
15. I feel unable to move when I am waking or falling asleep.
16. I wake up with heartburn.
17. I wake up with a bitter or bile taste in my mouth.
18. I wake up at night coughing or wheezing.
19. I take antacids frequently.
20. I have gained weight in the past year.
21. I have been told that I kick at night.
22. I experience aching or “crawling” sensations in my legs.
23. I sometimes can’t keep my legs still at night.
24. I sometimes have leg cramps that keep me awake or awaken me at night.
25. I wake up with sore or stiff muscles.
    
    
    Check Your Results
    You may have one of the following sleep disorders if you checked “yes” to symptoms from the groupings noted below.  Click Here for more information about these disorders.

Questions 1-6              Insomnia

Questions 7-11            Sleep Apnea

Questions 12-15           Narcolepsy

Question 16-20            Gastroesophageal Reflux

Questions 21-25           Periodic Limb Movement Disorder & Restless Legs Syndrome

In addition to the disorders featured in this test, there are more than 75 other types of sleep disorders. Fortunately, most of these sleep problems can be relieved. Keep in mind this test is intended only as a general source of educational information. If you or a family member believe you have a problem sleeping or staying awake, you should consult your physician. Certain sleep disorders can be very serious, but most are easily treated.