When Will a Doctor Refer Me to a Sleep Specialist?
Sleep specialists are medical professionals who diagnose and treat different types of sleep disorders like insomnia and restless leg syndrome. If your symptoms are getting worse despite being treated, a healthcare provider should refer you to an expert. Here are some situations when a doctor refers you to a sleep specialist:
Feeling Tired During Daytime
If you feel exhausted the next day, even after a full night’s sleep, you might have restless leg syndrome that interferes with your sleep. This disorder comes with unpleasant sensations in the leg, which you can relieve by moving. You can find yourself shifting positions repeatedly or getting out of bed to get rid of the discomfort. With this issue, you could struggle to settle down for the night, and the worry of not sleeping worsens the situation. Qualified sleep specialists may prescribe medications to calm the nerves and reduce the urge to move your legs, making it easier to sleep.
Having Trouble Falling Asleep or Staying Asleep
People who find it difficult to fall asleep or rest throughout the night may be experiencing insomnia. Stress, depression, and too much screen time before bed are some of the root causes of this sleep disorder. Some individuals might wake up frequently and find it hard to go back to sleep due to restlessness. To manage thoughts and behaviors contributing to insomnia, a specialist uses behavioral therapies. Limiting screen time before bed reduces exposure to blue light, which can interfere with your sleep patterns. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day trains your mind and body to establish a consistent sleep-wake cycle.
Sleepwalking or Sleep Talking
Sleepwalking and sleep talking are different types of parasomnias that disrupt sleep and could cause concerns for your loved ones. These abnormal behaviors interrupt your sleep cycle, preventing you from resting well at night. Due to the noise or movement associated with these disorders, you can wake up frequently, leading to poor sleeping patterns. You might find it difficult to concentrate in school or class because you don’t sleep properly at night. A professional may help you identify factors that trigger parasomnia episodes and develop strategies to cope with them.
Snoring or Gasping for Air During Sleep
If you snore or gasp for air while sleeping, sleep apnea is one of the causes of this problem. When airflow through the mouth and nose gets blocked, you start to snore during sleep. You may gasp for air when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway. To address this issue, a provider may suggest a device that delivers a stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. By losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and changing sleep positions, you can reduce snoring.
Choose Qualified Sleep Specialists
If you have sleep disorders that cause discomfort and prevent you from resting at night, ask your doctor if there is further help. A sleep professional may ask about your symptoms and perform tests to understand the type of sleep issue you have. To improve your sleep quality, call a trusted clinic today to talk to a medical professional.