I am Omar, a young man in my mid-thirties.
My experience with sleep disorders
For years, I had difficulty sleeping and would wake up frequently during the night, making me feel tired and exhausted throughout the day.
I felt confused and confused, and did not know where to go or whom to ask for help.
As time passed, my suffering increased, and I could no longer tolerate insomnia and shortness of breath.
After researching and examining the Internet and social media, here are all the questions and answers that I found during this journey.
Who is the doctor who treats sleep disorders?
During my research, I discovered that there is a specific specialty for this!
These doctors are trained in internal medicine, neurology, and psychiatry, and are familiar with various sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, circadian rhythm disorders and others.
I also discovered that there are many medical specialties that can be helpful in treating sleep disorders, but doctors who specialize in sleep medicine are the most experienced in this field.
Like many others, I searched for the specialties that were closest to my imagination and that I had always heard would support my treatment journey, to find the following answers.
You can read an article: What is the cause of sleep disturbance in your child and how is it treated?؟
Does a neurologist treat sleep disorders?
Yes, neurologists can indeed treat sleep disorders, especially when it comes to conditions associated with neurological problems, such as central sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome.
Does a psychiatrist treat sleep disorders?
Psychiatrists play an important role in treating sleep disorders, especially if they are related to a psychological condition, such as anxiety or depression.
Book your consultation now at Rafah Center for Mental Health At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital
Are sleep disorders a mental illness?
During my journey with sleep disorders, I encountered many people who considered my problem to be nothing but a mental illness, and advised me to take tranquilizers as a magic solution to my suffering.
But I was not convinced by this opinion. How can a sedative treat someone who cannot breathe during his sleep?
So, I decided to search for a definitive answer to this question.
She found that the relationship between sleep disorders and mental illnesses is complex and bidirectional. While sleep disorders likely cause and exacerbate mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, in many cases, they are not the same thing.
In short, I found that sleep disorders cannot be called a mental illness in and of themselves, but rather it is a separate condition that can greatly affect mental health.
يمكنك قراءة Sleep disorder in children
When should you go to the doctor for sleep disorders?
After I became fully aware of the nature of sleep disorders and the specialty of the doctor who would help me on my journey, I thought about my initial question about: Do I really need a doctor, or can the matter be treated through herbs and staying away from caffeine?
I've found that you should see a sleep doctor if you have persistent sleep problems that are interfering with your daily life.
Here are some signs that it's time to actually consult a doctor:
- chronic sleep disorders, Which may include:
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep more than three nights a week over three months.
- Difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and irritability due to sleep deprivation.
- Symptoms of sleep disorder, ومنها:
- Snoring, difficulty breathing, or feeling tired during the day despite adequate sleep.
- Difficulty performing daily activities due to sleep problems.
- Waking up frequently during the night or having difficulty falling asleep.
- other health concerns, مثل:
- Chronic fatigue, headache, or confusion that persists despite good sleep hygiene practices.
- Difficulty controlling emotions, memory problems, or slow responses.
- Needing to take a nap almost every day or feeling excessively sleepy during the day which interferes with performing daily activities.
How long does sleep disorder treatment take?
The question on my mind after diagnosing my condition and knowing my treatment plan was: How long will my treatment journey last?
In search of an answer, I found that the duration of treatment for sleep disorders can vary depending on the specific condition and treatment approach used.
In my case, my doctor prescribed a treatment plan that included cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which reduced my apnea and significantly improved my sleep quality. Within a few weeks.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helped me change my thoughts and behaviors that were contributing to my insomnia, which greatly improved the quality of my sleep. I started to feel the effects of this treatment after several weeks But my condition continued to improve and stabilize And sleep well for several hours After several months.
What I have found today is that my journey with sleep disorders is still ongoing, but I feel more hopeful and optimistic than ever. I know that treatment may take some time, but I am ready to commit to the treatment plan to achieve a complete recovery.
Read also: How to get rid of sleep disorders
What are tests for sleep disorders?
Since my father is a cardiologist, I had some medical information that allowed me to discuss with the doctor which diagnostic tests he would use.
The doctor told me that sleep disorders require a comprehensive diagnostic approach;
- Polysomnography (PSG).It is a comprehensive test that records various physiological factors during sleep, such as:
- Electroencephalography (EEG).
- Measuring eye movement using an electroretinogram (EOG).
- Electromyography (EMG).
- The extent of airflow from the nose and mouth during sleep.
- Pulse oximetry.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT): It is used to diagnose narcolepsy and evaluate excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
- Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT): It is used to evaluate the ability to stay awake during the day.
- Actigraph device: A non-invasive method that uses a wearable device to monitor movement and activity levels over a period of time.
- Monitoring nocturnal penile swelling (NPT): It is used to diagnose erectile dysfunction and sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
In addition to the above, the doctor told me that blood tests also have an important role in diagnosis, and they include the following:
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit: It is used to diagnose anemia that can contribute to sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
- Arterial blood gases (ABG): It is used to diagnose respiratory and metabolic disorders.
- Thyroid function tests: It is used to diagnose any abnormalities in thyroid function that could contribute to sleep disorders.
- Toxicology and alcohol screening؛ للكشف عن تعاطي المخدرات أو الإدمان اللذان يؤثران في صحة وجودة النوم.
The doctor actually conducted several tests for me, as he mentioned to me, and this helped him confirm his diagnosis and begin a correct treatment journey.
Does a patient with sleep disorders recover?
After I learned about the types of sleep disorders and methods of treating them, I wondered: Is it possible to cure these disorders?
Sleep disorders can be controlled and treated, but complete treatment requires radical changes in lifestyle, long-term commitment to prescribed treatment, and periodic visits to the doctor.
By following the treatment plan that the doctor prescribed to me, I began to feel significantly better after a few weeks, and I noticed the following:
- The severity of insomnia and shortness of breath decreased.
- I sleep deeper and more comfortably.
- My health and quality of life have radically improved.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for sleep disorders?
Treatment is determined according to the cause of the problem. If the reason behind this is depression, the doctor will prescribe a treatment for that. However, if the reason behind this is stress, this is taken into account, and the doctor usually prescribes sleeping pills.
Where does sleep disorder come from?
A person may suffer from some disorders as a result of some psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress, as well as bad habits, or the person suffering from depression, in addition to taking some types of medications that cause sleep disturbance, as well as suffering from some medical conditions such as chronic pain or disorders of the nervous system.
What vitamin helps sleep?
Vitamin D is considered one of the most important types of vitamins that help treat sleep problems, in addition to Vitamin C, in addition to Vitamin E. In addition, Vitamin B12 is one of the most important types that help improve nerve health and thus treat sleep disorders.
This was my experience with the Sleep Disorders Clinic, and I wanted to tell you not to despair. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can control these disorders and significantly improve the quality of your sleep and your life.
Remember that you are not alone.
Medical references
What are sleep disorders – clevelandclinic
Sleep disorders – mayoclinic
