8 Reasons to see a sleep specialist

When we think about health, we often focus on diet, exercise, and regular check-ups. But there's a crucial aspect of our well-being that doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves: sleep medicine.

Wait, what is sleep medicine?

Sleep medicine is a specialized field dedicated to diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. It's a relatively young branch of medicine, but its importance can't be overstated. Our sleep affects everything from our mental health to our metabolism, our immune system to our cognitive function ^[2].

Despite its critical role in our overall health, sleep medicine often flies under the radar. Many people aren't aware that sleep specialists exist or that their sleep problems could benefit from professional attention. We've normalized poor sleep, chalking it up to busy lifestyles or stress, when in reality, it could be a sign of an underlying disorder.

The truth is, sleep disorders are incredibly common. According to the American Sleep Association, 50-70 million US adults have a sleep disorder ^[1]. Yet, many go undiagnosed and untreated, impacting not just individual health but also public safety and economic productivity.

Why should I see a sleep specialist?

There are numerous reasons to consult a sleep specialist or sleep doctor near you. Here are some common situations where professional sleep guidance can be beneficial:

1. You're always tired, despite sleeping enough

If you're sleeping 7-9 hours but still feel exhausted, it could indicate a sleep disorder. For example, sleep apnea can cause frequent, brief awakenings throughout the night that you might not remember ^[3]. These disruptions prevent you from reaching or maintaining deeper, restorative stages of sleep. As a result, you wake up feeling unrefreshed, despite seemingly adequate sleep time. A sleep specialist can conduct tests to evaluate your sleep quality and identify these subtle disturbances.

2. You snore loudly or have been told you stop breathing during sleep

These can be signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In OSA, the airway repeatedly becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start ^[3]. Each time this happens, your brain partially awakens to restart breathing, disrupting your sleep cycle. This not only impacts sleep quality but can also lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart problems, and increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness. A sleep specialist can order a sleep study to diagnose this condition and recommend appropriate treatments, such as CPAP therapy.

3. You have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Chronic insomnia can significantly impact your quality of life. It may be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, medications, or poor sleep habits ^[4]. Prolonged insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, mood disturbances, and cognitive impairment. A sleep specialist can identify root causes and develop a treatment plan, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), sleep hygiene improvements, or in some cases, short-term medication use.

4. Your sleep schedule is irregular

If you work night shifts or travel frequently across time zones, your circadian rhythm – your body's internal clock – can become disrupted. This can lead to a condition called shift work sleep disorder, characterized by insomnia when trying to sleep and excessive sleepiness during waking hours ^[5]. Over time, this can increase the risk of various health problems. A sleep specialist can help manage your circadian rhythm, potentially using light therapy, melatonin supplements, or structured sleep schedules.

5. You experience unusual behaviors during sleep

Parasomnias like sleepwalking, sleep talking, or REM sleep behavior disorder (where people physically act out their dreams) can be disruptive and potentially dangerous ^[6]. These disorders often occur during transitions between sleep stages and can be exacerbated by stress, sleep deprivation, or certain medications. Sleep specialists can diagnose these conditions through sleep studies and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include safety measures, stress reduction techniques, or medications in some cases.

6. You're experiencing mood changes or cognitive issues

Poor sleep can profoundly affect mood, memory, and cognitive function. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline ^[7]. Conversely, many mood disorders can disrupt sleep, creating a challenging cycle. A sleep specialist can determine if sleep issues are the root cause of these problems and address any underlying sleep disorders to improve overall mental health and cognitive function.

7. You have a chronic health condition

Many health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, and neurological disorders, can significantly affect sleep ^[8]. For instance, pain can make it difficult to fall asleep or cause frequent night awakenings. Conversely, poor sleep can exacerbate these conditions, creating a vicious cycle. A sleep specialist can work with your other healthcare providers to manage sleep-related issues, improving both your sleep quality and overall health management.

8. Your going through pregnancy or menopause and its impacting your sleep

Women's health changes, such as menopause or pregnancy, can lead to night sweats, hot flashes, restless leg syndrome (RLS), sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep disturbances. These changes can significantly impact sleep quality and overall health. A sleep specialist can advise on solutions like hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, or other treatments to help manage these symptoms and improve sleep. 

Remember, good sleep is fundamental to our health, just like proper nutrition and regular exercise. It affects everything from our metabolism to our mental clarity. If you're experiencing any of these issues, consider reaching out to a sleep specialist. They can provide personalized advice and treatments to help you achieve the restorative sleep your body needs.

By giving sleep medicine the attention it deserves, we can take a significant step towards better health and well-being!