Many types of healthcare providers can becomesleepspecialists.
The main goal of a sleep expert is to diagnose andtreat sleep disorders.
Some providers focus on all aspects of sleep, while others treat just one bang out of sleep disorder.
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For example, you may see a pulmonologist (lung expert) forobstructive sleep apnea(OSA).
You may be unaware of some symptoms of sleep disorders because they only happen when you sleep.
First, check with your health insurance company to see what sleep experts in your area are covered.
You may also want to ask friends and family for recommendations.
In the United States, the average cost for an appointment with a specialist is about $250.
An overnight sleep study can cost hundreds or even several thousand dollars.
Much or all of that may be covered by insurance.
That can help you narrow your focus to the sleep experts who treat the right types of sleep disorders.
Types of Sleep Specialists
Several types of healthcare providers can specialize in one or more sleep problems.
Dement founded the first sleep disorders center as well as the first professional organization for sleep research.
This should list:
You may want to start tracking this before you see the specialist.
It might speed up the diagnostic process.
This can help you better understand your sleep disorder and how best to treat it.
Others may includepolysomnography(a sleep study).
Sleep studies are done overnight with special equipment, either in a sleep clinic or in your home.
Summary
Sleep specialists diagnose and treat sleep disorders.
Many types of healthcare professionals can treat sleep problems.
The key in of provider you see will depend on your symptoms.
Further testing may eliminate other possible conditions.
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University of Washington Medical School: UW Medicine.Sleep medicine.
Sleep Foundation.How to talk to your doctor about your sleep.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine.Sleep centers by state.
International Citizens Group, International Citizens Insurance.How much does healthcare cost in the USA?
American Academy of Sleep Medicine.What is a sleep team?
Stanford University Medical School, Stanford Health Care.Consultation with a sleep specialist.
Stanford Medicine.William Dement, giant in sleep medicine, dies at 91.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.What happens in a sleep study?
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Sleep disorders.
