呼吸暂停p Medicine Specialist
What is a Sleep Medicine Specialist?
A sleep medicine specialist is a physician who diagnoses and treats sleep disorders. Typically, the physician completes a residency and internship in internal medicine, where they receive clinical experience treating adults. The specialty often also includes training in psychiatry, neurology, and family medicine. Doctors with specialty training in sleep medicine and sleep disorders can then take an examination with the American Board of Sleep Medicine.
Common conditions treated by a sleep medicine specialist include insomnia, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. Without treatment, these disorders can make patients prone to sleepiness, irritability, depression, falls, accidents, and memory problems.
When to see a Sleep Medicine Specialist
An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans struggle with sleep disorders, which can impact quality of life tremendously. Patients who are not getting the quality or quantity of sleep to feel energetic during the day should see a sleep medicine specialist. Your primary care physician might refer you to a sleep medicine specialist if you snore, gasp for air while sleeping, or have a hard time falling asleep. Sleep medicine specialists have the expertise to manage nightmares, treat circadian rhythm sleep disorders, and address difficulties with airway pressure issues.
What to expect during a visit to a Sleep Medicine Specialist
Our specialized physicians will perform a comprehensive physical exam and review your symptoms carefully. You may be asked to complete a sleep journal and to undergo a sleep study, an overnight visit used to analyzesleeppatterns and monitor bodily activity during rest. During the sleep study, called a polysomnogram, a patient sleeps with several electrodes attached to their body to track brainwaves, heart rate, eye movement, muscle movement, and air flow, among other measures of sleep quality.
Treatments by Sleep Medicine Specialists
UTHealth神经科学offers a comprehensive program to treat sleep disorders in both adults and children. A sleep medicine specialist is qualified to use a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications, including improvements to sleep routines and sleep hygiene. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to help patients with sleep disorders by educating and empowering them with relaxation and stimulus control techniques. Patients can be coached to manage daytime behaviors and disruptive thoughts. Patients may need to be fit with dental or medical devices to help with airflow or other sleep disruptors. Surgery may be recommended to correct some issues. Patients might also be referred for additional psychological help. Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you in detail.
What you can expect at UTHealth Neurosciences
UTHealth神经科学brings together a multidisciplinary team of board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, neurologists, researchers, and pain management specialists who works to help provide relief for even the most complex problems. Your team will share insights, leading to better treatment decisions and outcomes.
我们首先探讨非手术治疗方案, including medical management, pain management, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and watchful waiting. When surgery is needed, our neurosurgeons routinely employ innovative minimally invasive techniques. Throughout the treatment process, we will work closely with the doctor who referred you to ensure a smooth transition back to your regular care. While you are with us, you will receive expert care, excellent communication, and genuine compassion.
Contact Us
At UTHealth Neurosciences, we offer patients access to specialized neurological care at clinics across the greater Houston area. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-8000, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.