A sleep specialist is a medical professional who focuses on diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. These specialists are typically neurologists, pulmonologists, or psychiatrists with additional training in sleep medicine.
In some cases, patients may require the expertise of a sleep surgeon. Sleep surgeons are usually otolaryngologists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons who perform surgeries for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea and snoring when other treatments have failed. Dr. Commesso emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate surgery: “Choosing the right surgery is key,” he stated. “We consider symptoms, sleep history, and anatomy to make an individualized treatment plan that is right for you.”
Dr. Soltis advises consulting a sleep specialist if sleep issues persist for more than three months and disrupt daily life. Symptoms such as excessive snoring, waking up frequently at night, daytime drowsiness, or difficulty falling asleep could indicate a potential problem. “A healthy sleep life is incredibly important,” she noted. Poor sleep can impact mood, energy levels, hormones, weight, and may be linked to medical issues like breathing problems, depression, neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, and heart conditions. The American Heart Association recently included sleep in its list of cardiovascular health factors. “Sleep is one of the biggest contributors to your overall mental and physical health.”
During an initial consultation with a sleep specialist, patients can expect a review of their medical history and a physical exam focusing on their sleeping patterns over time. Dr. Soltis suggests bringing along a bed partner if possible: “They can comment on things that you do in your sleep that you may not be aware of,” she explained.
Patients should also prepare questions about testing options and treatment possibilities before concluding their appointment. For instance:
– What are the testing options? An in-lab study might be preferable to an at-home study.
– What else could this be? Sleep medicine involves complex diagnoses.
– Have we discussed all possible treatments? Sometimes lifestyle changes can address certain disorders.
Dr. Soltis reports that her patients often experience significant improvements after seeking help for their sleep issues: “Don’t wait,” she urged. “Seeing a sleep specialist to learn how sleep is affecting you and what your options are could be life changing.”
