What can a sleep specialist diagnose?

Sleep medicine is dedicated to the study and therapy of sleep disorders. There are a wide variety of patients who can benefit from treatment to improve their quality of sleep and overall quality of life. Let’s take a deeper look. 

‍What is a sleep specialist?

These doctors are often neurologists, pulmonologists, or psychiatrists who completed a fellowship program in sleep medicine. They diagnose sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and more. 

‍Who should see a sleep specialist?

Maybe you are having some health issues or are tired and are unsure who can help you find relief. Start with a primary care physician for sleep issues like:

  • Snoring
  • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Feeling tired after a night of what seemed to be good sleep
  • Poorly performing daily activities due to being tired

Your doctor will evaluate you and your symptoms and refer you to a Sleep Medicine specialist as needed. 

A sleep specialist will perform an evaluation and then possibly order a polysomnogram or sleep study. This diagnostic test is used to rule out and properly diagnose conditions such as:

  • Sleep apnea
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Insomnia
  • Night or sleep terrors
  • Sleep walking
  • Sleep paralysis
  • Certain types of seizures or epilepsy 
  • And other sleep disorders

Treatment plans are customized for each patient based on their diagnosis. This could include medication, therapy, medical devices, or other options. 

Healthstar Physicians has a full medical staff from family physicians to specialists like Sleep Medicine doctors. We are here to provide complete medical services to you and your family across East Tennessee. We are accepting new patients and also take most forms of insurance. Please reach out to set up an appointment.