Sleep can be elusive, especially quality sleep—you know, the type of sleep that leaves you feeling awake and refreshed. If you’re having trouble falling and staying asleep, you may want to make an appointment with a sleep medicine specialist.
Some physicians out there focus solely on helping ensure their patients are sleeping soundly through the night. So, do you need to make an appointment with a sleep specialist? For some, the answer is yes.
What is a Sleep Specialist vs. a Sleep Surgeon?
If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you may need to see a sleep specialist or even a sleep surgeon. However, before you rush out and make an appointment with one or the other, it’s a good idea to know the differences.
A sleep specialist is a licensed physician who has completed training in sleep medicine. Pulmonologists, neurologists, and even psychiatrists are the most common types of physicians who go on to specialize in treating and diagnosing sleep disorders. What are some common sleep disorders? This can include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy to name a few.
While a sleep specialist diagnoses and treats sleep disorders, a sleep surgeon takes it a bit further. Most sleep surgeons are otolaryngologists. This is a fancy way of saying they treat ear, nose, and throat disorders. Some dental surgeons can also subspecialize in sleep medicine.
A sleep surgeon performs medical procedures like sleep apnea surgery to remove blockages that may be interfering with sleep quality. Chances are, you’ll probably see a sleep specialist before being referred to a sleep surgeon. Surgery is often the last treatment option after other non-invasive treatments fail to alleviate symptoms.
Your sleep surgeon will consider a few factors like your symptoms, anatomy, and sleep history before creating a treatment plan.
When Is It Time To Schedule an Appointment?
Very few people relish making appointments with doctors, even if it means sleeping better at night. However, sometimes it’s necessary to see a specialist, even if it’s the last thing you want to do.
So, when should you make an appointment with a sleep specialist? If you hate going to the doctor you can take a deep breath. If you’re only having trouble sleeping through the night occasionally, you may want to try making a few changes to your nighttime routine. This includes staying away from sugar and caffeine a few hours before bedtime. Turning off all electronics, except your morning alarm.
Even the blue screen on your phone and tablet can interfere with sleep quality. Try putting your handheld devices down about an hour or so before going to bed. You may also want to try meditation. Another suggestion is listening to green or brown noise. Sometimes, green or brown noise can have a calming effect that can help you drift off to sleep.
If you’re still dealing with poor-quality sleep, and it’s been an ongoing problem for a couple of months, it’s probably time to make an appointment with a sleep specialist.
How Poor Quality Sleep Can Affect Your Life
Sleep is incredibly important for your physical and mental well-being. A lack of or poor-quality sleep can leave you feeling tired and irritable. Weight gain and hormonal imbalances can also occur.
Did you know that poor quality sleep can even be an underlying cause of some medical conditions? Breathing and heart problems can sometimes be traced back to your quality of sleep.
You may also be increasing your risk of developing certain neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s Disease. The American Heart Association even lists sleep as a factor used to measure an individual’s cardiovascular health.
What You Should Expect During a Visit with a Sleep Specialist?
Sometimes it relieves some stress and anxiety when you know what to expect during your visit with a sleep medicine specialist. Your first appointment is pretty straightforward.
Your physician will go over your medical history before performing a standard medical exam. The exam is basically the same as your annual physical, so there’s nothing unexpected to worry about.
Your physician will also have a lot of questions about your sleep problem, and some questions to expect include when you first noticed the issue and how it’s progressed. Be honest in your answers, even if you’re embarrassed to admit your snoring is waking you up at night. The more information your physician has, the better able they are to provide the right treatment.
If you’re not getting enough quality sleep and nothing seems to be making an improvement, it’s probably time to make an appointment with a sleep specialist.