5 Reasons You Might Have a Sleep Disorder

We all have the occasional rough night. But if poor sleep has become your norm, it may be due to more than just stress or a busy schedule. Sleep disorders affect millions of people, often without them realizing it. And the tricky part? Many symptoms show up during the day, not just at night. 

If you constantly feel tired, foggy, or “off,” you’re not alone. Raj Bhayani, MD, at the New York Institute of Otolaryngology and Aesthetic Surgery, can help you understand what’s been going on in your body and what could help. Here are five reasons you might have a sleep disorder, and why it’s worth paying attention. 

1. You’re always tired, even after a full night’s sleep

One of the biggest red flags is waking up exhausted, no matter how early you went to bed. Signs this could be more than simple fatigue: 

• You need multiple alarms to wake up
• You rely heavily on caffeine to function
• You feel sleepy during meetings or while driving
• You crash mid-afternoon 

Conditions like sleep apnea or fragmented sleep can prevent your body from reaching restorative deep sleep, even if you’re technically in bed for 7-8 hours. 

2. You snore loudly or stop breathing at night 

Snoring isn’t always harmless. While occasional snoring is common, loud, chronic snoring (especially paired with pauses in breathing) may indicate obstructive sleep apnea. Warning signs include: 

• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Breathing stops intermittently (usually noticed by a partner)
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking up
• Morning headaches 

Sleep apnea reduces oxygen levels during the night and increases your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke if left untreated. 

3. You struggle to fall or stay asleep

Difficulty falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings may point to insomnia or another underlying issue. Possible indicators: 

• Lying awake for 30+ minutes most nights
• Waking up repeatedly during the night
• Waking too early and unable to fall back asleep
• Racing thoughts at bedtime

Chronic insomnia can affect mood, immune function, and overall health, especially if it lasts longer than a few weeks. 

4. You experience unusual nighttime movements or sensations

Not all sleep disorders involve breathing or insomnia. Some involve movement or uncomfortable sensations that disrupt rest. You might notice: 

• Restless legs syndrome
• Jerking or twitching during sleep
• Sleepwalking
• Acting out dreams 

These disruptions can prevent deep, restorative sleep even if you don’t fully remember them. 

5. Your mood, memory, or focus is declining

Sleep disorders don’t just make you tired — they impact brain function and emotional regulation. Daytime symptoms can include: 

• Brain fog
• Irritability
• Anxiety or low mood
• Trouble concentrating
• Memory lapses 

When sleep quality drops, your mental clarity often follows. Many people treat mood symptoms without realizing that poor sleep is the root cause. 

In the end, while sleep disorders are common and frustrating, they are also highly treatable. From CPAP therapy and oral appliances to medication adjustments and behavioral therapies, effective solutions exist once the problem is identified. 

If you’re constantly tired, it’s time to take the first step toward relief. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bhayani in either Brooklyn or Queens today.