Doctors that specialize in sleep disorders (insomnia, sleep apnea, etc) and their treatment are “Board Certified” in sleep medicine. They often have other, related, medical specialties as well, including pulmonology (specializing in the respiratory tract), otolaryngology (ENT or Ear, Nose, Throat concerns), cardiology (heart-related conditions) or neurology (disorders of the nervous system).
Sleep disorders may be caused by physical, environmental and/or emotional factors. Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep), sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome are among the more common problems patients can experience, but certainly not the only ones. As with all medical conditions, accurate diagnosis is the key to prompt, effective treatment. Expect a sleep doctor to discuss your situation, provide a medical exam and, if appropriate, prescribe testing—potentially even a sleep study, which is often the most efficient path to diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes a medication (a.k.a. a “sleeping pill”) is the right solution, but not always; fortunately there are many treatments available to patients today—including many non-medication options.