What kind of doctor do you see if you think you have sleep apnea?
Sleep specialists come from a variety of medical backgrounds. They may be pulmonologists (lung specialists), otolaryngologists (ears, nose, and throat), neurologists (brain and nerves), psychiatrists (mental health), or primary care physicians–internists and family practitioners.
Is sleep apnea a serious health condition?
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. Complications can include: Daytime fatigue. The repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep impossible, making severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability likely.
What happens if you let sleep apnea go untreated?
If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of health problems, including: High blood pressure. Stroke. Heart failure, irregular heart beats, and heart attacks.
Can you test yourself for sleep apnea?
Home sleep testing also might be an option. Tests to detect sleep apnea include: Nocturnal polysomnography. During this test, you’re hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.
Who is the best doctor for sleep apnea?
Dr. Sheila Tsai, a pulmonologist and section head of sleep medicine at National Jewish Health in Denver, says that “obstructive sleep apnea syndrome causes sleep disruption and repetitive decreases in oxygen saturations during sleep.
What to do if you think you have sleep apnea?
If your doctor determines that you have symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea, you may be asked to have a sleep evaluation with a sleep specialist or may order an overnight sleep study to objectively evaluate for sleep apnea. Testing includes an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram (PSG).
What can a dentist do for sleep apnea?
A dentist trained in sleep medicine will make a custom fit oral appliance for a person to wear during sleep. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is a sleep apnea treatment that doctors typically reserve for those who have not found success with other treatments. HGNS involves the implantation of a nerve stimulator into a person’s chest.
What kind of Doctor do you see for snoring?
Otolaryngologists are doctors who diagnose and treat issues relating to the ears, nose, and throat. People may refer to them as ENTs. If a person snores loudly, an ENT can help determine the cause. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA), loud, frequent snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea.
What specialist treats sleep apnea?
There are several types of doctors trained to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Certain neurologists, pulmonologists (lung doctor), and otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) specialize in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
What Doctor specializes in sleep disorders?
A doctor specializing in sleep disorders is called a sleep disorder specialist, sleep medicine specialist, sleep specialist, or a sleep doctor.
What type of Doctor studies sleep disorders?
The following types of doctors or medical specialists have been listed as possibly involved in diagnosis, treatment or management for Sleep disorders: Neurologist. Otolaryngologist/ear nose throat specialist. Pediatrician. Psychiatrist. Psychologist. Sleep disorder specialist.
What is a sleep study doctor called?
Doctors who study sleep disorders are called “sleep doctors” or “sleep specialists”, and would have “FAASM” in their credentials (Fellow of the American Association of Sleep Medicine ). Sleep diagnostic centers have to be accredited by the AASM .