A Sleep Medicine Physician is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.  Most Sleep Physicians have backgrounds in neurology or pulmonology and have completed additional training in sleep medicine. 

How Does a Sleep Physician Help Me with My Problem?

During the initial patient interview, the Sleep Physician will review the patient’s medical history, medications, and sleep complaint in detail.  The patient’s 24 hour sleep-wake cycle will also be carefully reviewed, looking for clues to help identify the cause of the sleep problem.  The physician will also perform a physical examination.  With this information, the cause of the patient's sleep complaint can often be determined.  Further testing such as an overnight sleep study may be needed to help clarify the diagnosis.  A course of treatment is then recommended.

What is the Importance of Sleep?

Although the function of sleep is still essentially a mystery, it appears to provide a restorative and regulatory function for the mind and body.  There are several physiologic processes that are significantly influenced by the quantity and quality of sleep.  For example, many of the body’s hormones are partially controlled by the sleep-wake cycle.  Disrupting sleep may disturb the normal release of these hormones.  Studies also suggest that there may be a link between chronic sleep deprivation and the risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Perhaps the most obvious effect of insufficient sleep is the effect on mental and emotional functioning.  Inadequate quality or quantity of sleep may adversely affect our mood, alertness, concentration, memory, and motivation.  In addition, sleepiness is often the cause for traffic collisions and has been implicated in man-made disasters such as the Exxon Valdez and Chernobyl accidents.

Fortunately, many of these adverse consequences of sleep deprivation can be reversed when adequate quantity and quality of sleep has been restored.

Suggestions for a Good Night’s Sleep

The bedroom as a pleasant place to sleep

• Do have a comfortable bedroom - clean linens and pillows, a firm mattress (one that doesn’t squeak, rustle, or slosh!)
• Do have a level of lighting that is comfortable.  Make sure your room remains dark in the morning.
• Do have a quiet room.  Put pets outside the room for the night.
• Do have a cool room, but comfortably, warmly clad body.
• Don’t have a clock visible during the night.
• Don’t have radios, TV’s, stereos on in the bedroom.
• Do reserve the bedroom for sleeping.  No activities in bed like reading, drinking, eating, watching TV, using the computer, talking on the phone, discussing problems, knitting or writing letters.

Preparing yourself for a good night’s sleep

• Don’t drink beverages with caffeine (coffee, tea, cola drinks) after 12pm.  Don’t consume more than three caffeinated beverages in one day.
• Do get some exercise each day, preferably before 10am and definitely before 4 hours prior to bedtime.
• Don’t drink alcohol after 7pm.  A drink before dinner or a glass or two of wine with dinner are probably okay.
• Do allow yourself a transition period.  During the hour before you plan to go to bed, systematically wind down your activity level.  Do things that are quiet and relaxing.
• Do keep a journal in which you record the “unfinished business” of the day.
• Do develop a going to bed ritual.  Include activities like personal grooming and checking light, heat and locked doors.  Do things that facilitate a sense of safety and security.

Health habits for a sound sleep

• Do establish stable daytime routines.  Eat meals (especially dinner) at the same time each day.  Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, seven days a week.  If you need to vary sleeping times, you can go to bed later, but always get up at the same time.
• Don’t drink liquids after 7pm if you seem to wake up and have to go to the bathroom.
• Don’t nap during the day.
• Don’t let yourself get sleepy during the day.  If you start to get sleepy, increase your activity level.
• Do some physical activity in the morning to avoid grogginess and get yourself going.
• Do make love in bed before going to sleep if you find it relaxing.  If it is arousing, consider having sex earlier in the day.
• Do develop a lights-out ritual.  Plan and focus on images that are calm, pleasant, relaxing and serene.
• Do get up out of bed if after 20 - 30 minutes you haven’t fallen asleep and don’t feel sleepy.  Go to another room and do something quiet and relaxing; don’t do things that are interesting and exciting.  Don’t eat or drink favorite foods while you are up.  Don’t go back to bed until you feel sleepy.