When to See a Sleep Specialist

Signs you should talk to a doctor

• Loud, regular snoring, especially with gasping, choking or pauses in breathing noticed by someone else
• Feeling sleepy during the day despite getting 7 or more hours in bed
• Falling asleep while driving, or near misses from drowsiness
• Trouble falling or staying asleep at least 3 nights a week for 3 months or more, affecting your days
• An uncomfortable urge to move your legs in the evening or at night, relieved by movement
• Acting out dreams, such as punching or kicking during sleep
• Sudden muscle weakness triggered by laughter or strong emotions, or vivid dream-like experiences when falling asleep or waking
• Morning headaches, waking with a dry mouth or frequent night-time urination with snoring
• A child who snores regularly, breathes through the mouth at night or has behavior and attention problems

Urgent safety concerns

If you have fallen asleep at the wheel or nearly so, stop driving when drowsy and seek evaluation promptly. If sleep problems come with thoughts of suicide, seek help immediately: in the US call or text 988.

Start with your primary care clinician

Your regular doctor can review your symptoms, medications and medical history, check for issues such as thyroid problems, iron deficiency (linked to restless legs) or reflux, order a home sleep apnea test in many cases, and refer you to a specialist when needed.

What a sleep specialist does

Sleep medicine physicians are board-certified in sleep medicine, usually after training in fields such as pulmonology, neurology, psychiatry, internal medicine or pediatrics. They diagnose and treat sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disorders and parasomnias. Behavioral sleep medicine specialists, often psychologists, provide CBT-I and other behavioral treatments. Dentists with sleep training may provide oral appliances for sleep apnea, prescribed by a physician.

Finding a sleep center

The AASM accredits sleep centers in the US, and its patient site sleepeducation.org has a directory to find one near you. Your insurer can tell you which specialists are in network. Telehealth sleep visits are widely available for initial consultations and follow-up.

How to prepare

• Keep a sleep diary for 1 to 2 weeks: bedtime, estimated time to fall asleep, awakenings, wake time, naps, caffeine and alcohol.
• Bring a list of medications and supplements.
• Ask a bed partner what they notice, or record yourself snoring with a phone app.
• Note how sleepy you are in daily situations, such as reading or as a passenger.
• Write down your main questions and goals.