Somnologist

A somnologist is a doctor who treats, diagnoses, and studies sleep disorders. Let's look at when you need to see a somnologist, what diseases the doctor treats, and the main tips for healthy sleep from a somnologist.

A somnologist has an unusual and very unique specialization, he studies and treats sleep disorders. According to statistics, about 20% of people have sleep disorders that negatively affect their well-being and performance, and this in turn affects the quality of life. That is why the profession of a somnologist is relevant in our time. A somnologist treats sleep disorders in both adults and children. As a rule, a pediatric somnologist diagnoses patients with psychotherapists and ENT doctors. This is explained by the fact that in childhood, sleep is affected not only by external factors, but also by the developmental characteristics of the body.

To date, somnologists have identified more than 80 types of sleep disorders and about 50 diseases that cause insomnia. A complete diagnosis of the patient allows the doctor to determine the disease, find the cause of its occurrence and create a treatment program. But it is very difficult to find a somnologist, since doctors do not work in ordinary clinics. As a rule, you can make an appointment with a somnologist in a specialized or private clinic that works according to a foreign model of medicine.

Who is a somnologist?

Who is a somnologist? A somnologist is a doctor whose main task is to study and treat pathologies and sleep disorders. Somnologists work together with surgeons and otolaryngologists who help treat snoring and other sleep disorders associated with the work of ENT organs and other physical characteristics of the body.

Somnology is a science that is a separate section of neurobiology and medicine. Somnology studies sleep and its disorders, as well as how sleep affects human health. Knowing the theoretical aspects of normal human sleep, doctors in practice develop methods of treating various sleep disorders. Also, the competence of somnologists includes the development of treatment methods and the study of diseases that manifest and develop in sleep. For example, asthma attacks and cardiovascular diseases in sleep are quite painful. Today, many sleep disorders are known that are associated with chronic diseases and the general condition of the body.

When should you see a sleep specialist?

When should you see a somnologist and what sleep disorders require immediate medical attention? So, you should see a somnologist if you have:

• During the day, there is increased drowsiness, fatigue and apathy, which last for more than a week.
• Loud nocturnal snoring that appears against the background of hormonal diseases (diabetes) or cardiovascular diseases (high blood pressure).
• Sleep disorders that arise as a result of long-term use of medications.
• Sleepwalking, epileptic seizures, nightmares and teeth grinding.
• Sleep disturbances caused by frequent changes in time zones, climate or work characteristics (shift and night work schedules).
• Hypertensive attacks, ischemic heart disease, which manifest themselves only during sleep.
• Unpleasant and painful sensations, weakness in the muscles of the body, frequent falls in sleep.

What tests should you take when visiting a somnologist?

If you are going to see a doctor who deals with sleep disorders, then you should know what tests you need to take when visiting a somnologist. As a rule, a somnologist does not require tests when diagnosing sleep disorders that are caused by nervous disorders or psycho-emotional state. But if sleep problems are associated with improper functioning of organ systems, then additional tests are required (blood test, urine test, etc.).

If the sleep disorder is caused by an infectious disease, the somnologist sends the patient to an infectious disease specialist to undergo standard tests. If snoring or teeth grinding interferes with normal sleep, the somnologist gives a referral to an ENT specialist, who examines the patient and takes standard tests. That is, each sleep disorder is diagnosed by a somnologist, but to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor may require certain tests that are related to the symptoms of sleep disorders.

What diagnostic methods does a somnologist use?

A somnologist, like any other doctor, uses certain techniques and methods in his work. Let's consider what diagnostic methods a somnologist uses to determine the cause of sleep disorders and diagnose diseases. The main diagnostic methods used by a somnologist are:

• Polysomnography is a method of sleep diagnostics that is performed in a hospital setting. The essence of this method is that sensors are attached to the patient's body that record brain activity during sleep.
• Electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram – recording of the electrical activity of the brain using sensors attached to the body and head.
• Electromyogram and electrooculogram – recording and recording of muscle and eye movements in the corresponding phase of sleep.

What does a somnologist do?

What does a somnologist do? This is the most common question from patients who come to see a somnologist for the first time. A somnologist is a professional specialist whose competence includes the treatment of sleep disorders and pathologies, as well as diseases that cause these disorders.

The first thing a somnologist does when meeting a patient is to diagnose sleep disorders and identify the causes that led to the disorder. That is, in order to make a diagnosis, a somnologist must learn about the patient's psychoemotional state. Thus, problems at work and in personal life, constant stressful situations and an unhealthy lifestyle are the main causes of sleep disorders. But sleep problems can arise due to hormonal disorders and some diseases. Problems with the normal functioning of the brain and neuroses are the main cause of insomnia. In the process of working with a patient, a somnologist can refer the patient to other specialists who will help confirm the diagnosis. As a rule, a somnologist closely cooperates with an ENT doctor, psychotherapist, endocrinologist, neurologist.

What diseases does a somnologist treat?

If you suffer from sleep disorders, you should know what diseases a somnologist treats. Since, most likely, the doctor will help solve your sleep problems and cure diseases that caused insomnia or sleepwalking. Let's consider what diseases a somnologist treats.

• Sleep disorders that arise due to bad habits.
• Narcolepsy, bruxism, sleepwalking.
• Sleep disturbances that cause an eating disorder.
• Apnea attacks, that is, stopping breathing during sleep.
• Restless legs syndrome caused by a certain phase of sleep.

Advice from a somnologist

Advice from a somnologist is practical methods and recommendations that will help you properly prepare for sleep and get enough sleep. The doctor's advice will help you relax and rest as much as possible throughout the night.

1. Maintain a regular sleep and wakefulness schedule, try not to oversleep.
2. Go to bed immediately when you feel sleepy. If you can't fall asleep within 20-30 minutes, it is recommended to get out of bed and do a calm, monotonous task.
3. Your bedroom should be a place for sleeping, not for working, playing, or eating.
4. Avoid daytime naps, as it is daytime naps that disrupt nighttime sleep and the feeling of drowsiness.
5. Develop a specific ritual for yourself that will be associated with sleep. Take a warm bath, read, or have a light snack.
6. If you play sports, remember that heavy exercise should be done six hours before bedtime, and light exercise four hours before bedtime.
7. Avoid caffeine before bed and avoid heavy dinners. This is the main cause of insomnia. This also applies to alcohol and nicotine, which should also be avoided, especially before bed.
8. If you take sleeping pills, follow the duration of use (usually no longer than three weeks). Otherwise, the drug will cause addiction and cause sleep disorders.

A somnologist is a modern medical profession that helps to solve and treat sleep disorders and problems. If you have problems with sleep, you are tormented by nightmares, suffer from sleepwalking and insomnia, then you need to seek help from a somnologist.

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