What Doctor to see for Sleep Disorders?

What Doctor to see for Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders are a growing concern in modern society, with an estimated 50-70 million Americans affected by a sleep disorder. A doctor who specializes in sleep disorders, also known as a sleep specialist, is a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep-related issues. These specialists can help individuals who struggle with insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and other common sleep disorders.

One of the most common sleep disorders is insomnia, which is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, and certain medications. A sleep specialist can help identify the underlying cause of insomnia and develop a treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication.

Another common sleep disorder is sleep apnea, which is characterized by periods of interrupted breathing during sleep. This can lead to excessive daytime drowsiness, as well as an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. A sleep specialist can help diagnose sleep apnea using a sleep study, and then develop a treatment plan, which may include the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or other forms of therapy.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes a strong urge to move the legs. This can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. RLS can be caused by a number of factors, including iron deficiency, kidney failure, and certain medications. A sleep specialist can help identify the cause of RLS and develop a treatment plan, which may include medication and lifestyle changes.

Other sleep disorders that a sleep specialist can help with include narcolepsy, which is characterized by excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden sleep attacks, and parasomnias, which are abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep, such as sleepwalking and night terrors.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a sleep disorder, it is important to seek the help of a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This may include a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

It is important to remember that getting enough quality sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. By working with a sleep specialist, you can take the necessary steps to improve your sleep and lead a healthier, more productive life.

To wrap up

Sleep disorders are a growing concern in modern society, and it affects a large percentage of the population. A sleep specialist is a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep-related issues. They can help individuals who struggle with insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and other common sleep disorders. It's important to seek the help of a sleep specialist if you experience symptoms of a sleep disorder, as they can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

CBT-I: A Long-Term Sleep Fix

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a natural, side-effect-free sleep treatment. It involves relearning your sleep habits and addressing issues that are getting in the way of quality sleep. Studies show that CBT-I works as well as or better than sleep medications and that its effects last after the treatment is done.1

Fill out Dawn Health’s questionnaire to get started with CBT-I right from your computer — no in-person visits necessary. Quality, natural sleep is possible when you embark on a CBT-I treatment journey.