What Kind of Doctor Helps With Sleep Problems?

There are several types of doctors that can help with sleeping problems, and which one will be most beneficial will depend on the exact kind of sleep disorder that is causing these problems. For sleeping problems caused by bruxism (teeth grinding), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or TMJ disorder, a dentist would be the best professional to consult. As they are well-versed in the anatomy of the jaw, dentists can diagnose a myriad of sleeping problems by looking at the position of the jaw, the condition of the teeth, and listening to the jaw open and close.

There are multifarious causes for trouble sleeping, from medical conditions to lifestyle choices. Common causes may include:

– Advanced Age — Interrupted sleep is much more common in older adults, although age should not automatically be blamed for frequent awakenings. These problems may be attributed to changes in the circadian rhythm, or sleep-wake cycle, as these may dramatically shift with age.
– Lifestyle Choices — One of the most common causes of disrupted sleep is a lifestyle, including any of the following habits: drinking alcohol within four hours of bedtime; eating within a few hours of bedtime; napping too much, and consuming too much caffeine.
– Medication — Some medications can cause nighttime waking. Examples include some antidepressants; beta-blockers to treat high blood pressure; cold remedies containing alcohol; and corticosteroids to treat inflammation or asthma. Talk to your doctor if you think your medication is causing sleeping problems.
– An Underlying Condition — Many chronic health problems can cause difficulties getting a good night’s rest. Some of the most common include anxiety or depression; enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH); chronic pain; neuropathy; and sleep apnea.

There are several ways to get back to sleep in the middle of the night. The following tips might help:

– Do Not Watch the Clock — Counting the minutes of missed sleep can cause stress and anxiety, which can make it more difficult to relax the mind and drift off to sleep.
– Get Comfortable — Sleeping in a cool and dark bedroom is proven to make falling asleep easier, and make sure to use the washroom before bed, as a full bladder can be distracting and uncomfortable.
– Handle Health Needs — If a chronic pain condition or a short-term health issue is causing discomfort, follow physician-recommended advice for easing pain at night.
– Relax — Try progressive muscle relaxation. Start at the head and work down to the toes, tensing muscles for about five seconds before relaxing them completely. Skip muscles that hurt and focus on isolating muscles. For example, when tensing the arms, make sure no other muscle groups, such as the chest, are tense.

If insomnia is causing health problems or if it is a chronic issue, it is vital to consult a sleep specialist. They can help pinpoint what is causing those sleepless nights and work to address these concerns for a good night’s rest.

For more information call us today to book an appointment for TMJ treatments. We look forward to serving you!