Sleep Quiz: How Well Are You Sleeping?

Are you waking up feeling tired and irritable? Do you have difficulty falling or staying asleep? If so, you may be one of the millions of Americans who suffer from a sleep disorder.

This sleep quiz can help you assess your sleep quality and determine if you should see a doctor for further evaluation.

Who Is This Sleep Quiz For?

This sleep quiz is for anyone who is concerned about their sleep quality. It is especially relevant for people who experience the following:

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Waking up feeling tired or unrested
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Restless legs syndrome
• Nightmares or night terrors

About This Sleep Quiz

This sleep quiz is based on the symptoms of disrupted or disordered sleep. Each response corresponds to your potential for having a sleep disorder—low, moderate, or high.

A medical professional may ask you questions about your sleep and medical history and perform an exam to diagnose you with a sleep disorder.

How Much Sleep Do I Need?

The amount of sleep you need each night varies depending on your age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults aged 18-64 need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Children and adolescents need even more sleep, with school-aged children (6-13 years old) needing 9-12 hours of sleep per night and teenagers (14-17 years old) needing 8-10 hours of sleep per night.

Common Types of Sleep Disorders

There are over 80 different sleep disorders, but some of the most common include:

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Sleep apnea: A condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep
• Narcolepsy: A condition that causes sudden and irresistible episodes of sleep
• Restless legs syndrome: A condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs
• Circadian rhythm disorders: Conditions that disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle

How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Health?

A lack of sleep can have a number of negative effects on your health, including:

• Increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and stroke
• Impaired cognitive function and memory
• Increased risk of accidents
• Mood swings and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

Tips for Getting to Sleep

If you are having trouble sleeping, there are a number of things you can do to improve your sleep quality, including:

• Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible, even on weekends.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
• Get regular exercise, but avoid working out too close to bedtime.
• See a doctor if you have a sleep disorder.

If you are concerned about your sleep quality, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if you have a sleep disorder and recommend the best course of treatment.