Why Should a Neurologist Be Referred for Sleep Disorders?

A good night’s sleep is crucial for our mental and physical well-being. However, according to the American Sleep Association, 50-70 million US adults have a sleep disorder.

Sleep is directly connected with our brain. If there is an imbalance in the chemistry of your brain, it can cause various adverse symptoms, including insomnia. Therefore, addressing and treating sleep disorders is crucial to improve the quality of life of the patients.

A neurologist can help you here and improve your physical and emotional health. They have in-depth training and specialization in treating neurological sleep disorders and sleep disturbances invoked due to other neurological conditions.

Why Should You Visit Neurologists for Sleep Disorders?

If you are facing sleep disorders and are in dilemma about what you should do next, here is why you should visit a neurologist -

The Primary Physicians May or May Not Manage Sleep Disorders

A primary physician is a general practitioner who only deals with general health conditions. They refer the patients with specific health conditions to the concerning specialist. This also applies to sleep disorders.

So yes, a general physician will ask you and your bed partner about your sleeping habits. However, if they find any sleep disorder symptoms after diagnosis, they will refer you to a sleep disorder specialist.

For Diagnosing Sleep Disorders

When one suspects a sleep disorder, diagnosis and care must begin with a neurologist. Here, with a thorough evaluation, the neurologist specializing in sleep disorders will determine whether it is due to a neurological condition or not.

At first, a physical examination is conducted, and the doctor analyzes your complete medical history and sleep patterns. After the evaluation, the patient is referred for a proper overnight sleep study and/or nap studies during the day.

They Have Effective Treatment Processes

Neurologists diagnose your disorder properly with blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sleep studies, and EEGs to determine the precise cause of the sleep disorder. Sleep study or Polysomnography provides an idea of definite diagnosis and classification of sleep disorders. They use actigraphs, smart wearable devices, or other devices to diagnose sleep disorders.

Early diagnosis and treatment with neurologists can help patients with a proper and effective cure for their neurological sleeping disorders. After getting discharged, a follow-up with a neurologist is arranged to ensure that all the related conditions are diagnosed, treated, and cured.

Sleeping Disorders are Associated With Mental Health Conditions

Various sleeping disorders are a result of some mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. These neurological disorders cause insomnia and give rise to pervasive negative thoughts, attention deficit, and mental hyperarousal that hinder the sleep pattern and cycle.

In addition, studies show that sleeping disorders can worsen mood and develop anxiety disorders. It may make the neurological sleep disorders’ symptoms worse, and can even increase the risk of suicide in people with depression or other severe mental health conditions. Therefore, one must see a neurologist for treating sleep disorders before it leads to some serious conditions.

According to research, 40% of people with sleeping disorders have a mental health disorder as well. A Fort Lauderdale neurologist will help diagnose it.

They Evaluate Causes for Sleep Disorders

Central nervous system sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia are usually associated with neurological issues. Therefore, you typically get referred to a neurologist if the general physician suspects the neurological cause of these symptoms.

It can be challenging to evaluate potential primary and secondary causes when it comes to neurological and psychiatric disorders because the conditions often happen at the same time.

Sleeping disorders affect the personal and professional life of the patient. Therefore, it is important to consult with a neurologist early in the course for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

If you or your loved ones are suffering from any type of sleeping disorder, consult Jeff Steinberg, MD - a trusted and experienced neurologist for sleep disorders. They can help you with your problem and help you live a healthier life - get in touch today!