If you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, you are not alone. Millions of people deal with sleep-related issues every year, ranging from minor inconveniences to major disruptions. For those who have chronic sleep problems, there are a variety of treatments available. If you’ve ever complained to your doctor about insomnia, they’ve likely suggested some behavioral changes (aka “sleep hygiene”), lowering your stress, and possibly prescribed sleep medication. 

The truth is, while over 9 million Americans take sleeping pills, these medications aren’t getting to the root cause of the issue. Whether you are currently taking one of these prescriptions or you’re using something over the counter, you may not be addressing the real reasons why you’re not sleeping.

In order to get to the root cause of your insomnia, you may need extensive testing. Since there are dozens of different things that can cause sleep struggles, this may start with simple blood testing for things like hormones or nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor may check your heart and airways too. In many cases, a sleep study may be ordered to get a real-time view of your body and brain during sleep. 

Sleep studies are performed at special sleep labs or sleep clinics, where you’ll be able to rest in a bedroom-like environment. You will be hooked up to various equipment during the night, as well as have a staff member on call to monitor you. Thanks to our advanced diagnostics during the sleep study, you’ll be able to learn more about your brain’s sleep cycles, how much you’re moving during the night, how well you’re breathing, and much more. With a good sleep study, a doctor can diagnose conditions such as:

• Sleep apnea
• Restless leg syndrome
• Sleepwalking
• Narcolepsy
• Periodic limb movement disorder
• Different types of insomnia

If you have had chronic issues with sleep and want to address the root cause of your issue, a sleep study may be advisable. You can talk with a doctor about your concerns and can even get a study done here at DuPage Immediate Care, your local urgent care in Oakbrook. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our Sleep Medical Center!