More than 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea, but most of them haven't been diagnosed. If you snore at night or feel sleepy during the day, visit your primary care doctor or a sleep specialist. The doctor will recommend treatments to manage your symptoms and help you avoid complications.
From there, you'll see a whole team of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experts. They'll work together to customize your treatment plan and adjust it as needed.
Some OSA specialists work at sleep centers. Others work in medical buildings or hospitals.
Primary Care Doctor
Your primary care doctor may be the first person you see for OSA for symptoms like snoring and daytime sleepiness. They'll ask about your symptoms and see if you need a sleep study or other tests.
Some primary care doctors diagnose and treat OSA. Others refer patients to a sleep specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Sleep Specialist
A sleep specialist diagnoses and treats sleep disorders like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome. They have special training in sleep medicine and are board-certified by one or more of these organizations:
- American Board of Sleep Medicine
- American Board of Internal Medicine
- American Board of Family Medicine
- American Board of Anesthesiology
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- American Board of Otolaryngology
- American Board of Pediatrics
The sleep specialist leads your team. They will examine you and order a sleep study and other tests to diagnose your sleep apnea and learn how severe it is. Your sleep specialist will also plan and oversee your treatment.
To diagnose you with OSA, the sleep specialist might ask you questions like these:
- What symptoms do you have?
- How long have you had these symptoms?
- Has your bed partner told you that you snore or stop breathing?
- Do you feel tired during the day?
- Do you have a headache or dry mouth in the morning?
- Do any of your family members have sleep problems?
Other Doctors Who Treat OSA
Sleep apnea affects many parts of your body. That's why you might also see some or all of these specialists:
- Cardiologist. Untreated OSA increases the risk for heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. Heart disease also shares risks with OSA, such as obesity. A cardiologist diagnoses and treats heart problems linked to sleep apnea.
- Otolaryngologist. Also called an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, this specialist treats snoring and other breathing problems that happen while you sleep.
- Neurologist. You might see this doctor if a brain or nervous system problem caused your sleep apnea.
- Pediatrician. This doctor treats sleep apnea in children.
- Pulmonologist. You'll see this doctor if you have a lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A pulmonologist also helps diagnose and treat OSA.
Sleep Technologist
This is the person you'll see if you need a sleep study or other tests. Sleep technologists have special training in sleep medicine and are certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine or the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. They help doctors diagnose and treat many sleep disorders, including OSA.
Sleep technologists work at a sleep center or hospital. While you sleep there overnight, the technologist monitors your breathing patterns, heart rate, brain activity, and oxygen levels. After you finish the sleep study, they will create a report of your results and send it to your sleep specialist.
Nurse and Physician Assistant (PA)
You may see a nurse and physician assistant during your OSA treatment. These medical professionals are like the nurses and PAs you see at your doctor's office or a hospital, but they also have special training in sleep disorders. The care that a nurse and PA can deliver is different in each state.
Mental Health Professional
Some psychologists and psychiatrists have special training in sleep medicine and can treat sleep disorders. They use mental health treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change the thought patterns and habits that are keeping you awake. These specialists can also help you get used to using OSA treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Dentist
A dentist can check your tongue, jaw, or tonsils to see if they block your airway. They will also fit you for an oral appliance if you need one to keep your airway open while you sleep. And the dentist will check your appliance regularly to see if it needs any adjustments.
Sleep Surgeon
Surgery might be an option if CPAP and oral appliances haven't helped you, or if you can't tolerate these devices. You might have surgery to:
- Remove extra tissue in your throat that blocks your upper airway
- Implant an upper airway stimulation device to keep your airway clear while you sleep
- Move your jaw to make it easier to breathe
Your sleep surgeon will work closely with your sleep specialist to coordinate your treatment. They will explain the different surgery options to you, tell you about the benefits and risks of each type of surgery, and perform the procedure.
Tailor Treatment to You
Everyone with OSA has different needs and preferences. Your sleep specialist will tailor your treatment to you.
Your OSA care team will need your input to decide on a care plan. Will you be comfortable sleeping with a CPAP machine? Would you prefer an oral appliance? Or would you rather have surgery and not use a device at all while you sleep?
You'll make better decisions if you understand OSA and you have a care team you trust. To find a sleep specialist in your area, ask your primary care doctor for a referral. Check with your insurance company. Or search the American Academy of Sleep Medicine website.
When you meet with your sleep specialist, ask them about all the OSA treatments that are available. Find out how they might help you, and what side effects they could cause.
Show Sources
Photo Credit: Tom Werner / Getty Images
SOURCES:
American Academy of Sleep Medicine: "The Path to Sleep Medicine," "The Sleep Team," "What is Surgery?"
American Dental Association: "Sleep Apnea (Obstructive)."
American Medical Association: "What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Sleep Apnea."
Duke Health: "Do I Need a Sleep Specialist?" "Sleep Disorders Team."
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine: "Primary vs. Specialist Care in Management of Sleep Apnea."
Mayo Clinic: "Obstructive Sleep Apnea," "Sleep Surgery Clinic."
New York State Education Department: "Polysomnography Technologist."
Sleep Foundation: "Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease," "How to Find a Sleep Doctor Near You."
