What brings you in today?
Sleep difficulties are common and can show up in different ways—trouble falling asleep, waking during the night, restless sleep, or feeling unrefreshed in the morning. Poor sleep often leads to daytime effects such as fatigue, reduced concentration, mood changes, and slower reaction times. Some people struggle with insomnia, while others experience excessive daytime sleepiness (somnolence).
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Insomnia refers to ongoing difficulty with sleep, including trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. While many people experience short-term episodes linked to stress, irregular routines, or changes in lifestyle, persistent insomnia can become a chronic issue. Over time, disrupted sleep can interfere with the body’s natural rest and recovery cycles, leading to significant impacts on daily functioning and long-term health.
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Symptoms of insomnia go beyond simply being tired. They may include daytime fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, memory problems, and decreased productivity. Some individuals also report headaches, tension, or gastrointestinal discomfort as a result of prolonged poor sleep. When left unmanaged, insomnia can increase the risk of mood disorders, weakened immunity, and chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Recognizing these symptoms early is essential to restoring healthy sleep patterns and improving overall well-being.
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Somnolence, or excessive daytime sleepiness, refers to an overwhelming tendency to feel drowsy or fall asleep during the day, even after spending adequate hours in bed at night. It often results from poor nighttime sleep, irregular sleep patterns, or underlying conditions such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Certain medications, alcohol, or sedating substances can also contribute. Unlike ordinary tiredness, somnolence is persistent and can interfere with a person’s ability to stay alert and function normally throughout the day.
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Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, reduced attention span, slowed reaction times, irritability, memory issues, and an increased risk of accidents while driving or performing daily tasks. People with somnolence may also experience “microsleeps,” where they briefly nod off without realizing it, or they may rely heavily on caffeine or stimulants just to stay awake. When persistent, excessive daytime sleepiness can signal an underlying sleep disorder or health condition that requires evaluation and treatment.
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When to See a Doctor
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While occasional sleep issues are common, you should seek medical advice if disturbances last longer than two to three weeks, interfere significantly with daily life, or are accompanied by symptoms such as loud snoring, choking, or sudden awakenings that may signal sleep apnea.​​
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