You may want to see a sleep doctor Austin TX if you’re suffering from chronic pain, snoring, or sleep apnea. Lack of sleep can cause many serious chronic health problems, including decreased immune function and a higher risk of car crashes. In many cases, your doctor will refer you to a sleep physician.
If You Have Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a severe condition that can affect sleep, mental health, and activities. It may also lead to depression and anxiety. It can stop you from doing activities and may even prevent you from working or going to school. The pain may keep you from sleeping and cause you to be tired all the time. It may also be a result of nerve damage or an injury. If you have chronic pain, you should see your doctor to determine the cause.
People with chronic pain are more likely to have sleep disorders. Research shows that 72 percent of chronic pain patients have sleep disorders, including insomnia. Another 30 percent had restless leg syndrome. Sleep disorders can aggravate chronic pain, so seeing a sleep doctor is essential.
Chronic pain patients often report having difficulty falling asleep or waking up several times during the night. Many of these patients also report feeling tired in the morning. Insomnia and pain are bidirectional, and many people who suffer from chronic pain want to treat the problem by getting better sleep.
If You Have Sleep Apnea
Many primary care physicians can diagnose sleep apnea. They may also refer patients to a sleep specialist to get further treatment for the disorder. It is essential to get a thorough sleep analysis from your doctor to rule out other medical conditions.
Sleep doctors can help you determine if you are suffering from this disorder by ordering a polysomnogram, which records your sleep using medical devices. This test will record your breathing patterns and the electrical activity in your brain while you are asleep. It can be performed in a sleep lab or at home. If you think you have sleep apnea, you should see a sleep physician as soon as possible to get the proper treatment.
Sleep doctors may recommend lifestyle changes that will help you breathe easier at night. Certain medicines may also help you sleep better. A sleep study will help your doctor determine the best course of treatment.
If You Have Narcolepsy
A sleep doctor is a specialist who can diagnose narcolepsy and make treatment recommendations. They will perform a comprehensive medical history, physical exam, and sleep study to determine the severity of the condition. Patients may be asked to wear a wrist motion sensor for a few weeks and to keep a sleep diary. Your doctor will also evaluate whether you experience cataplexy.
A sleep doctor is the best person to diagnose narcolepsy. However, your family doctor can also diagnose the disorder and refer you to a sleep specialist. A sleep doctor can also help you manage your condition, including adjusting medication dosages or prescribing alternate therapies.
Lifestyle changes can also help you control your narcolepsy symptoms. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is essential, ensuring you have plenty of restful naps throughout the day. Regular exercise can also increase your energy level. Tobacco and alcohol use should also be avoided.
If You Have to Snore
Snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, an underlying medical condition. If you have a history of snoring, you should visit a sleep doctor to have your breathing checked. Snoring can also be caused by nasal problems such as nasal polyps, deviated septum, or blocked nasal passages. Snoring can disrupt your sleep and create tension in your household.
Snoring is not dangerous but can interfere with your sleep and your partner’s. If your snoring interferes with your sleep or causes your partner to wake up, you should see a sleep doctor. A sleep doctor will examine your throat, nose, and mouth to determine the cause of your snoring.
Snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a severe sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing. It affects around 3 percent of the general population and is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.