What Doctor to See For Sleep Problems
If you are experiencing sleep problems, it is important to find a doctor specializing in this area. There are many sleep disorders that a variety can treat by medical professionals. These include Otorhinolaryngologists, Endocrinologists, and Neurologists. A primary care physician may be able to help you find a specialist for your condition.
Otorhinolaryngologists
Otorhinolaryngologists are specialists in sleep problems, including snoring and sleep apnea. These widespread conditions affect anywhere from five to fourteen percent of the population. Treatments range from simple lifestyle changes to surgical modifications. In some cases, surgery can help you stop snoring for good. If snoring is a chronic problem, a laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (LAPAP) may be recommended. This procedure has a high success rate.
In addition to performing sleep medicine, otorhinolaryngologists are also surgeons. This skill set enhances their diagnostic and therapeutic skills in this specialty. Some otorhinolaryngologists pursue additional sleep training to improve their sleep knowledge. These surgeons are known as renaissance sleep surgeons, and they can bring a new perspective to the field.
Otorhinolaryngology residents participate in rotating through different departments, including sleep surgery and general otolaryngology. While in residency, they participate in lectures and hands-on clinical sessions. In addition, they attend monthly Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery lectures and grand rounds.
Otorhinolaryngologists are uniquely qualified to help patients with disordered breathing. A sleep medicine otolaryngologist's expertise in this field is invaluable. While many other doctors specialize in one aspect of the body, sleep medicine physicians specialize in the entire head and neck.
Unlike doctors in other fields, otorhinolaryngologists also specialize in diseases of the larynx, upper aero-digestive tract, and voice and nerve function. Additionally, they treat diseases of the face and neck and diseases of the ear and nose. They can also perform cosmetic plastic surgery.
Otorhinolaryngologists for the treatment of sleep problems diagnose, treat, and monitor sleep problems. General practitioners or other specialists often refer them. Many insurance providers also cover sleep clinics, and patients can schedule appointments through their primary care physician. Before scheduling an appointment, make sure the physician you choose is one that you feel comfortable with. You will want to ask about scheduling a sleep study and discuss your treatment options with the doctor.
Otorhinolaryngologists can also help patients who suffer from sleep apnea. Snoring, which can affect a person's relationships, is often a symptom of sleep apnea. It can occur in both men and women, but is more common in older people. Alcohol and obesity can also worsen the condition.
Otolaryngologists
If you're prone to sleep problems, you may want to seek medical attention from an otolaryngologist. This physician specializes in the care of the head and neck, lungs, and sinuses. They should also be board-certified in sleep medicine. Sleep disorders affect 50 to 70 million people in the United States, and the number is expected to grow in the coming years.
The Division of General Otolaryngology and Sleep Surgery at NYU Langone Health is dedicated to preparing future otolaryngologists to provide comprehensive care to patients with ear, nose, throat, head, and neck issues. The Division also performs procedures to treat snoring and other ears, throat, and head problems. It also trains medical students and residents to become general otolaryngologists and conducts research in these areas. Recent projects include the etiology of chronic tonsillar hypertrophy and the standardization of clinical hearing tests.
Sleep disorders can also cause other health issues, including heart disease. Many patients experience snoring and may have a condition called sleep apnea. Fortunately, treatments for this disorder are available, including lifestyle changes and oral appliances. Some patients may even be candidates for surgery, which can permanently correct the condition.
Otolaryngologists for sleep problems can recommend various treatment options to help you get a good night's sleep. These treatments are FDA-approved and can help you get the restful night's sleep you deserve. The Pillar Procedure, for example, places tiny implants into the soft palate, reducing the vibration that causes snoring. This procedure takes about five minutes in the doctor's office. Another option is the Coblation Procedure. This involves removing layers of tissue from the palate and enlarging the airway.
Otolaryngologists can also treat various other health issues related to the nose, throat, and larynx. Some doctors specialize in sleep medicine, while others specialize in pediatric otolaryngology. In many cases, the best treatment for sleep disorders is surgical treatment.
Endocrinologists
Endocrinologists are specialists who treat endocrine conditions, which affect all body systems. Even minor changes in hormone levels can affect areas of the body far away from the glands. To determine the underlying cause of your sleep problems, your endocrinologist will conduct a physical exam and a series of tests. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, the doctor will decide on a treatment plan.
Sleep disorders affect millions of adults. Insomnia is the most common and may lead to other problems, including difficulty falling or staying asleep. Other common sleep disorders are restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and perimenopause. A sleep study performed by a sleep expert may help determine the cause of your insomnia.
Endocrinologists are the best choice for sleep disorders. In addition to treating endocrine conditions, they also diagnose and treat common diseases, including thyroid problems, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Endocrinology care aims to restore the body's balance of hormones.
Brigham and Women's Sleep Medicine and Endocrinology Center offer patients comprehensive care from a single location. The center's integrated approach enables patients to see experts in diabetes, obesity, and sleep medicine. In addition, the center houses a registered dietitian and a bilevel positive airway pressure machine.
Endocrine disorders may affect hormone levels, which affect sleep patterns. These imbalances may lead to other symptoms, such as fatigue, dry skin, and rapid heartbeat. Fortunately, endocrinologists can treat these conditions with prescription medications. They can even help women who experience infertility.
The field of endocrinology is an exciting and complex field that focuses on the glands and tissues that produce hormones. These hormones regulate the body's metabolism, growth, and reproduction. They also play a vital role in sensory perception, emotions, and behavior. Despite their small size, human hormones can impact all of these functions.
The faculty of the University of Chicago's Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism is internationally recognized for its innovative approaches and cutting-edge therapies. Its Kovler Diabetes Center, headed by Louis Philipson, MD, Ph.D., combines the best of the University's traditions in clinical care, research, and education. The center is dedicated to improving patient care while developing new treatments and studying the genetic and molecular basis of diabetes and its role in obesity.
