For many people, a sleep physician consultation is an important part of their health plan. They may want to see a specialist if they suffer from a number of different conditions such as obesity, diabetes, depression, sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Depending on your situation, a sleep physician may be able to prescribe a variety of therapies to help you manage your condition.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for sleep apnea. For the record, there are over 200 million overweight or obese individuals in the United States. If you or someone you know is suffering from the condition, you’ll need to get to the root of the problem.
The best way to do this is to have a doctor examine your medical history. Your provider may also suggest an overnight sleep study. Depending on the findings, you may be referred to a sleep specialist.
A better approach is to prepare a list of questions that you wish to ask your physician. This can make your visit go more smoothly. It will also ensure that you’re well informed on the topic of your choice.
Fortunately, many doctors have been trained in this area. Many large sleep centers employ practitioners who are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. Using the techniques of motivational interviewing and 5-A framework, clinicians can help obese patients with OSA improve their health and reduce the odds of future surgery.
Polysomnography
If you are suffering from chronic insomnia or sleep apnea, you may need to schedule a polysomnography. This test is painless and can help diagnose and treat sleep disorders. It can also be performed at home.
During the test, sensors are attached to the patient’s body. These monitor the brain waves, breathing and other sleep-related activities. The data will be reviewed by a specialist.
Polysomnography is used to detect many types of sleep disorders. Patients who undergo sleep physician consultation have electrodes placed on the torso and head. Rhythmic movements or unusual sleep behaviors can also be detected.
Sleep studies are usually conducted overnight. The patient should refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, taking medications, or using certain drugs 24 hours before the test. They should also avoid caffeine.
A polysomnography can be ordered by a primary care doctor or by a specialist. Some general practitioners refer patients directly to a sleep center.
Wait times for an initial consultation with a sleep specialist vary. In some regions, wait times range from two to twelve months.
Home sleep studies
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends that you get a home sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea. This test may be able to provide you with a diagnosis and possible treatment options, improving your health and quality of life.
A sleep study is a painless procedure. You will need to wear a mask with tubes in your ears and on your nostrils. In return, you will get a full report of the amount of oxygen you are breathing. There are other tests that can measure the quality of your sleep, such as actigraphy and nocturnal oximetry.
Depending on your insurance policy, you may be able to get a free at-home sleep study. Some insurance companies will pay for the majority of the cost. Using a home-based device can be a good option for single parents, people living in remote areas, or those who are too busy for a lengthy trip to a sleep center.
CPAP machines
It is important to consult with a sleep physician if you think that you have sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that can negatively affect your health. This disorder causes the upper airway to collapse during sleep, and it stops the body from breathing. The consequences can be serious.
For those with obstructive sleep apnea, a CPAP machine is the preferred treatment. CPAP machines work by providing a steady stream of pressurized air.
Using a CPAP machine can alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as excessive daytime sleepiness and nasal congestion. It can also help to reduce snoring.
In order to get a CPAP machine, you will need a prescription from a doctor. Once you have the prescription, you will need to visit a medical supply store to purchase the equipment.
You will also need to keep the CPAP machine clean. To do this, you will need to rinse the parts and let them air dry.
