What Are the Most Common Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders affect millions of people and can dramatically impact overall health, energy, and daily performance. The most common sleep disorders include:

• Insomnia – difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Sleep apnea – pauses in breathing during sleep

• Narcolepsy – sudden episodes of daytime sleepiness

Among these, sleep apnea is particularly concerning because it disrupts normal breathing patterns throughout the night. People with sleep apnea may stop breathing dozens—even hundreds—of times per night. Each time the airway collapses, oxygen levels drop, forcing the body to jolt awake to resume breathing.

This cycle leads to poor-quality sleep and can contribute to:

• Daytime fatigue

• Morning headaches or migraines

• Irritability and mood changes

• High blood pressure

• Poor concentration

• Increased risk of heart disease

Left untreated, sleep apnea can affect nearly every system in the body, making prompt evaluation and treatment essential.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Sleep apnea can be managed in several effective ways depending on the type and severity of the condition.

1. Lifestyle modifications
   Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and improving sleep hygiene can reduce symptoms—especially for patients whose apnea is related to excess tissue pressing on the airway.

2. CPAP therapy
   A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine delivers a steady stream of air through a small mask worn during sleep. This keeps the airway open, prevents pauses in breathing, and promotes restful, uninterrupted sleep.

3. Oral appliance therapy
   For certain patients, a custom mouthpiece that repositions the jaw can help keep the airway open.

4. Surgical or implantable devices
   Some patients may benefit from procedures or implants that stimulate airway muscles or correct structural issues contributing to apnea.

Dr. Dominguez works with each patient to determine the most appropriate and comfortable treatment plan.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea and Other Sleep Disorders?

The signs of a sleep disorder may be subtle at first but tend to worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

• Loud or chronic snoring

• Gasping for air or pauses in breathing

• Waking up feeling unrested

• Morning headaches

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Trouble concentrating or focusing

• Mood swings or irritability

• Muscle fatigue

• Lowered immunity or frequent illness

Even if symptoms seem mild, they may signal that the brain and body are not receiving enough oxygen at night. Proper diagnosis can dramatically improve quality of life.

How Do I Know If I Should Be Evaluated for a Sleep Disorder?

You should consider a sleep evaluation if you:

• Wake up unrefreshed despite a full night of sleep

• Feel drowsy while driving or during daytime activities

• Have been told you snore, gasp, or stop breathing

• Struggle with memory, focus, or productivity

• Have high blood pressure or weight gain that is difficult to manage

• Experience mood changes, depression, or anxiety related to poor sleep

Sleep disorders often go undiagnosed for years because many symptoms occur during sleep. If you suspect an issue, Dr. Dominguez can order a home or in-clinic sleep study to identify the root cause.

How Can Treatment Improve My Daily Life? 

Effective treatment can transform your health. Patients often report:

• Sharper thinking and clearer focus

• More stable mood and emotional well-being

• Fewer headaches and less muscle tension

• Better weight control

• Higher energy levels

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular issues

• A stronger immune system

• Overall improved quality of sleep and life