How Sleepy Are You?
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Do you have trouble falling asleep? Staying asleep? Or do you snore? If so, you may have a sleep disorder, which can be treated if correctly diagnosed.
Common Signs of a Sleep Disorder:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Trouble falling asleep
- Heavy snoring
- Uneven breathing
- Morning headaches
- Night time chest pains
- Heavy use of sleeping pills
- Waking up frequently during the night
Take the Sleepiness Quiz!
How likely are you to doze off in these situations? Use the scale to choose the appropriate number for each situation.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
0 would never nod off
1 slight chance of nodding off
2 moderate change of nodding off
3 high chance of nodding off
_____ Sitting and reading
_____ Watching TV
_____ Sitting, inactive in a public place (e.g. in a meeting, theatre or dinner event)
_____ As a passenger in a car for an hour or more without stopping for a break
_____ Lying down to rest when circumstances permit
_____ Sitting and talking to someone
_____ Sitting quietly after a meal without alcohol
_____ In a car, while stopped for a few minutes
If your total equals 9 or greater, schedule a visit with a sleep specialist.
Help Is Available
Board certified sleep medicine specialist and ENT Dr. Nancy R. Mellin can help you get the rest you need. Dr. Mellin, of Northshore ENT Clinic in Hammond, is specially trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of sleep disorders in patients from newborn to adults. She offers snoring evaluations in children and treats adult sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy. She also treats ear, nose and throat issues, as well as allergies and thyroid conditions.
