4 Questions to Ask Your Sleep Doctor

Sleep disorders can negatively affect your quality of life in a big way. Poor quality sleep can make you feel unfocused, tired, and irritable, and can lead to the development of more severe systemic health problems. This is because chronic poor sleep can lead to the body not repairing itself the way it’s supposed to during the night, which can negatively affect your health in the long term.
 
A sleep specialist can help you identify the physical, emotional, environmental, and behavioral issues that are causing your sleep issues, and will create a comprehensive plan to aid in getting your sleep cycle back on track.
 
They help treat a large variety of sleep-related anomalies such as insomnia, sleep apnea, severe snoring, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome, all of which can lead to chronic unrest and poor health over time.

If you’re experiencing regularly interrupted sleep for more than two weeks, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor. In turn, depending on the type and severity of your symptoms, they may refer you to a sleep specialist.
 
Sleep doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating ailments that are affecting the length and quality of your sleep. These conditions include:
 
• Insomnia. This sleep condition is characterized by either temporary or chronic difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
• Narcolepsy. This condition is characterized by severe drowsiness and uncontrolled bouts of sleep during parts of the day when you should be alert and awake.
• Periodic Limb Movements. This disorder is characterized by the repetitive jerking of your legs while you’re sleeping. Its movement causes you to wake up, resulting in a consistently disturbed sleep cycle.
• Restless Leg Syndrome. This condition can be experienced in the day or night and is characterized by a strong urge to move your limbs. Patients often describe the uncomfortable sensation caused by restless leg syndrome as being “itchy” or “pins and needles” type sensations.
• Sleep Apnea. This occurs when breathing patterns are disturbed or disrupted during sleep.

The vast majority of sleep disorders can be cured, but the type and length of treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause.
 
When sleep disorders aren’t caused by another medical condition, they can often be successfully treated using a combination of clinically studied medical treatments and certain lifestyle changes. This may include behavioral therapies (such as talk therapy), supplemental medications, utilizing medical and dental appliances, and lifestyle changes (such as modifications to your nighttime routine).

Sleep doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep issues and sleep disorders that are caused by physical, emotional, environmental, and behavioral components. They can help you significantly improve your sleep and well-being through medical procedures and techniques that are specific to your unique needs.
 
During your in-person visit, your sleep doctor will do a thorough review of your medical history, perform a physical exam, schedule additional tests as required, and ask pertinent questions regarding the nature of the issue you’re experiencing. This helps them to formulate a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan, both of which are crucial when it comes to getting your sleep back on track.
 
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a sleep condition, or are looking for a safe and professional clinic to help treat your symptoms, contact us at Dr. Luis J. Mesa, MD. Our team of sleep specialists would be happy to provide you with the exceptional care you’re looking for to get well and improve your overall quality of life. Connect with us today or book in online if you’re ready to see one of our sleep doctors. We serve patients from Hallandale Beach FL, Aventura FL, Hollywood FL, Golden Glades FL, Miramar FL, Hialeah FL, Fort Lauderdale FL, and BEYOND.