Which Doctors Can Treat My Sleep Apnea?
Has your partner finally had enough of your snoring at night? Snoring, that frustrating noise caused by narrowed or obstructed airways in the throat, is a cornerstone symptom of sleep apnea. If you’ve been getting complaints from your bedmate, it may be time to see a physician, especially if you’re experiencing any other symptoms of sleep apnea such as weight gain, high blood pressure, concentration difficulties, and persistent fatigue. When it’s time to get help, can any health care provider diagnose and treat your sleep apnea?
Get in Touch with Your Primary Health Care Provider
Presenting your symptoms to your primary health care provider is a great place to start when looking to treat your sleep apnea symptoms. Not only do many insurers require a visit to your primary care provider before seeing a specialist, a primary health care provider is trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and may be able to diagnose your condition without a sleep study. However, if they feel your case is complex or would like a definitive diagnosis, they may send you to a sleep specialist.
Sleep Specialists Come from All Backgrounds
Sleep specialists are specially trained to care for sleep disorders and may be primary care providers, pulmonologists, neurologists, and even dentists. These physicians are usually accredited by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Sleep Medicine.
Talk to Your Mental Health Care Professional About Your Symptoms
For many sleep apnea sufferers, their only symptoms are related to their mental health. Chronic fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, and even depression are all common symptoms of sleep apnea, especially in women. Occasionally, psychiatrists and other behavioral health care professionals may be able to diagnose sleep apnea based on these symptoms alone.
No matter where you seek help for your sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, we recommend advocating for an appointment with a team of sleep specialists. Our team of sleep specialists at Advanced Sleep Therapy is equipped to walk you through your sleep apnea treatment from diagnosis to treatment.
