Struggling to sleep? Sleep medicine can diagnose & treat disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea & more. Learn how a sleep doctor differs from a sleep coach & get the restful sleep you deserve!
Understanding Sleep Disorders: The Role of Sleep Medicine
Do you feel like you sleep all night but still wake up exhausted? Do you snore like a train and keep your partner up all night? If you've tried everything to improve your sleep and your primary care physician hasn't found the answer, it's time to visit a sleep doctor!
What is Sleep Medicine?
Sleep medicine is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on sleep disorders. A sleep doctor is a medical professional with additional training to diagnose and treat problems like:
- Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)
- Sleep apnea (briefly stopping breathing during sleep)
- Narcolepsy (extreme daytime sleepiness)
- Restless legs syndrome (unpleasant feeling in the legs that worsens at night)
What Procedures Does a Sleep Doctor Perform?
A sleep doctor will listen carefully to your sleep problems and review your medical history. They may also perform:
- A Sleep Study: You'll spend the night in a specialized clinic where they monitor your brain activity, breathing, and body movements while you sleep. This helps them identify abnormal sleep patterns.
How is a Sleep Doctor Different from a Sleep Coach?
A sleep coach is a non-medical professional who can offer tips and techniques to improve your sleep habits, such as sleep hygiene and relaxation methods.
A Sleep Doctor:
- Is qualified to medically diagnose and treat sleep disorders.
- Can prescribe medications or recommend medical devices like CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) to treat sleep apnea.
- Can collaborate with other specialists to address underlying medical issues affecting sleep.
If your PCP hasn't been able to solve your sleep problems, don't give up! A sleep doctor may be the key to getting restful sleep and finally feeling energized during the day.
To find a sleep doctor near you, talk to your PCP or search online at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
For more information about sleep studies, visit: Breathesleepmd.com.