If you have a hard time sleeping at night, you are not alone. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, approximately 70 million people in the U.S. are not getting enough sleep, and 60 percent of those actually have a sleep illness.
Chances are if you suspect you have a sleep problem, you probably do! A sleep doctor can help.
What Is a Sleep Doctor?
Sleep medicine is a relatively new specialty that began designating board certification by the American Board of Sleep Medicine in the 1970s. Some of the related disciplines in which a sleep doctor might begin study include pulmonology (respiratory medicine), neurology, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat medicine), psychiatry, internal medicine, and family medicine.
Doctors who already practice in a related area of medicine sometimes discover that they want to switch to sleep medicine. Others may decide to specialize while completing their medical degrees or internships.
Sleep doctors must have a thorough understanding of the human body and the mind-body connection. Sleep disorders and symptoms are rarely standalone health issues but are rather experienced by a patient with a systemic condition, such as type-2 diabetes or depression.
How to Choose a Sleep Doctor
Your primary care doctor may recommend a sleep doctor, or there may be only one board-certified sleep doctor in your area or one who accepts your health insurance. Choosing a doctor who is board-certified in sleep medicine is the best way to ensure that your sleep disorder will be treated effectively.
There are physicians who treat sleep disorders who are not certified. If you have a choice, look for a doctor who has additional board certifications in related fields. They will likely be better able to evaluate and determine the underlying cause of your condition.
Most patients who see a sleep doctor need to undergo tests that include being monitored in a sleep lab. If your sleep doctor has an on-site sleep laboratory, it makes testing run more smoothly since all of your appointments are managed by the practice and are not outsourced to another medical facility.
Who Can Help Me Sleep Better?
If you have a sleep disorder, it can affect your whole life. Fatigue impacts our bodies, minds, and emotional health. At Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas, our sleep doctors and specialists are recognized as the premier sleep medicine providers in Parker County, Tarrant County, and the surrounding areas.
Led by Dr. Olusegun Oseni – who is board-certified in sleep medicine, internal medicine, pulmonary care, and critical care – our experienced team of sleep medicine providers offers a holistic approach to your sleep problems. In-depth exams that include your health history and details about your lifestyle will help us ensure the best possible treatment outcomes for your lung and sleep health.
Call (817) 594-9993 today or fill out our easy-to-use online request form for an appointment at our office in Weatherford, Texas. We have a full sleep lab right on-site. Our expert sleep doctors and specialists will help you get the sleep you need – rest assured.