Sleep Medicine

A sleep physician is a doctor who specialsies in the investigation and management of patients with disorders affecting their sleep. These doctors are usually respiratory physicians.

Medical Conditions

• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Snoring

Specialty Areas of Interest

• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Non invasive ventilation

Associated Tests

• Sleep studies - where you are monitored whilst you sleep. Your respiratory rate and pattern (breathing), oxygen levels and pulse are monitored along with a number of other parameters. Any sleep disturbance is noted.

Procedures

• Non-invasive ventilation

What to expect

History

Your respiratory physician will ask about your symptoms, particularly daytime somnolence (sleepiness), accidents, snoring, pauses in your breathing when you are alseep, diet and drug and alcohol use. Clearly it would be beneficial to have your partner present so they can answer questions about your sleep pattern.

Examination

Your sleep physician will concentrate on examining your upper airway and lungs.

Training and Qualifications

• Basic medical training
• Internship
• Residency
• Specialty Training

Links

• Find a Sleep Physician
• Wikipedia – Sleep Apnea*
• Wikipedia – Sleep

* Apnea – American spelling of Apnoea.