Neurological Disorders That May Be Diagnosed At A Sleep Center

When you're struggling to sleep, it can be hard to figure out why. Sometimes, the explanation is a neurological one. Often, neurological conditions are best diagnosed at a sleep center, where doctors can observe and monitor you as you sleep or attempt to sleep. Here are some of the key neurological disorders your doctors will be looking for during your appointment at a sleep center.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM sleep behavior disorder is a condition in which you tend to act out your dreams. You may not realize you are doing this. In fact, most people with this disorder are unaware of their actions during sleep. The condition can range in severity. Some people move their arms and legs as they act out their dreams, and others actually get out of bed and move around the house in doing so. You may wake up feeling still tired or with aches and pains in your legs and arms from the movements you were making in your sleep. You may even wake up in another room, unsure of how you got there. 

If you show signs of REM sleep behavior disorder at the sleep center, then a doctor may prescribe medications like melatonin and clonazepam to help put an end to your movements during REM sleep. They may also recommend that you take steps to make your home more safe, such as putting a barrier on your bed or locking up sharp tools.

Epilepsy

The best-known symptom of epilepsy is seizures. However, sleep problems are also common in patients with epilepsy. Sometimes, if the seizures are really minor, patients may not realize they've been having seizures — but they do realize they're not getting good, productive sleep. They may experience jerking movements in their limbs as they try to sleep, or they may feel itchy often during the night. Anti-seizure medications can help clear up these symptoms so you can get better sleep.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

CIDP is a condition in which the nerves slowly lose their myelin, which is their insulating, outer coating. Eventually, the condition can lead to numbness in the fingers and toes, weakness in the limbs, and loss of coordination. However, the first symptoms some patients notice are trouble sleeping and chronic fatigue. If your doctor notices signs of CIDP while you are in the sleep center, they can prescribe medications that not only help you sleep better but also slow the progression of the disease. 

If you are struggling to sleep or feel you're not getting good sleep, then making an appointment at a sleep center is a wise choice. If there's an underlying neurological condition at play, the doctors can detect it.

For more information, contact a sleep center near you.

Share