What are the signs that you should consult a sleep professionals?

The best doctor to see when experiencing problems sleeping depends on the underlying cause of the sleep disruptions. For example, sleep apnea is a disorder that affects how a person breathes while they are asleep and is best treated by a physician with an extensive background in the anatomy of the mouth, jaw, and throat, such as a dentist. Ideally, it is best to visit a dentist who specializes in treating sleep disorders. Another common cause of sleeping problems is TMD, or TMJ disorder, another area of expertise of dentists.

Sleep specialists are physicians who specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sleep disorders. These professionals commonly treat patients living with a sleep disorder, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm irregularities. After the initial evaluation, sleep specialists begin working on a diagnosis, unless one has already been established. This diagnostic process typically involves several tests, such as polysomnography, laboratory tests, and a thorough physical examination. After identifying the exact type of sleep disorder, the sleep doctor will develop a treatment plan which might involve lifestyle changes (eating healthier and exercising more frequently), medications, oral appliances, or behavior therapy. In most cases, the body reacts quickly to changes in sleep patterns, and therefore many patients experience an almost instant improvement in their quality of sleep.

Signs that may indicate it is time to see a sleep doctor include:

– Insomnia that lasts longer than a week or is a recurrent problem
– Falling asleep at unusual times
– Regularly snoring during sleep
– Legs become restless before or during bedtime on a regular basis
– Loss of muscle control while awake
– Sleeping too much
– Lack of sleep negatively impacting health and quality of life
– Frequent bouts of sleep deprivation symptoms, such as hallucinations, auditory distortions, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog

If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned signs, it is strongly recommended to schedule an appointment with a sleep doctor right away.

A sleep consultation is an opportunity for the sleep doctor to get to know their new patient and often involves a discussion of symptoms, a review of medical history, and a physical exam. Based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history, the doctor will develop a treatment plan to resolve any sleep disturbances. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and their severity, the sleep specialist may prescribe a variety of different treatments and therapies, including oral appliance therapy, a custom-fitted orthotic, or CPAP therapy. They may also implement lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods or drinks before bed, practicing better sleep hygiene, and exercising more frequently.

If you are experiencing the signs of a sleep disorder, visit the sleep professionals at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. We believe that every individual has the right to consistent, quality sleep and are proud to serve patients from all across the United States.