Sleep disorder specialist

Sleep disorder specialist is a medical professional who diagnoses and treats sleep disorders. These specialists have specific training and expertise in the field of sleep medicine, which is a subspecialty within several medical disciplines, including neurology, psychiatry, pulmonology, and internal medicine.

Training and Certification

In order to become a sleep disorder specialist, a physician must first complete a residency in one of the primary disciplines that offer sleep medicine training. After completing their residency, they must then complete a fellowship in sleep medicine. Following their fellowship, they are eligible to take the sleep medicine certification exam, which is administered by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM).

Role and Responsibilities

Sleep disorder specialists are responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. They use a variety of diagnostic tools, including polysomnography, actigraphy, and sleep diaries, to help identify the underlying causes of a patient's sleep problems. Once a diagnosis has been made, the specialist will then develop a treatment plan, which may include behavioral therapy, medication, or other interventions.

See Also

• Sleep medicine
• Sleep disorders
• American Board of Sleep Medicine