Sleep Medicine Frequently Asked Questions

 

Sleep Medicine physicians specialize in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (insomnia), disorders of abnormal sleep (parasomnias), as well as disorders of excessive somnolence.

The majority of sleep specialists in this country are trained in pulmonary medicine and have had further medical training in sleep disorders. The importance of pulmonary medicine’s contributions to the field of sleep medicine is primarily explained by the understandings of the disorders of breathing during sleep, known as obstructive sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome. Other disciplines that have contributed to the practice and research in sleep medicine include Neurologists and Psychologists. The field of neurology has better defined sleep in terms of electroencephalogram (EEG), staging of sleep, and in terms of neuromuscular disorders, such as periodic limb movements, that can affect sleep quality. Psychiatrists are a very integral part of sleep medicine, in that they have improved our understanding and the clinical approach to patients who have disorders of initiating sleep (insomnia).

Although 50% of the population has had a sleep disorder at some point in their life, most of these are temporary and generally require temporary treatment, depending on the type of disorder. Sleep disorders that are more long-standing probably should be evaluated by physicians who have received specialty training in sleep medicine and have a better understanding of new diagnostic and treatment approaches in all types of sleep disorders.

  • Nasal CPAP and BiPAP
  • Surgical Options
  • Weight Loss
  • Behavior Modification
  • Medications

  • Polysomnography
  • Other Diagnostic Tests

Yes! Prior to scheduling a sleep study, please complete the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Patient Questionnaire to determine if you are at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If you are at risk, have Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome, Restless Leg Syndrome, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, Insomnia, Narcolepsy, or Snoring please contact your Primary Care Physician to complete a Referral Form (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader) or contact one of our Offices to arrange for a study.

Take the quiz here.