Subtitle Forum: Which Doctor Should a Person Who Sleeps a Lot Go To?
If you are sleeping a lot more than usual, it is important to talk to a doctor to determine the cause. There are a variety of medical conditions and lifestyle factors that can be associated with excessive sleepiness. Depending on the underlying cause, you may need to see a primary care physician, a neurologist, or a sleep specialist.
Primary Care Physician
If you are a healthy adult who is sleeping a lot more than normal, your best starting point is to make an appointment with your primary care physician. A primary care physician is a doctor who can provide general medical care. During your appointment, your doctor will ask questions about your sleep habits and other factors that could be contributing to your excessive sleepiness. Your doctor may also order blood tests or other tests to help rule out medical conditions that could be causing your sleepiness.
Neurologist
If your primary care physician suspects a neurological disorder is causing your excessive sleepiness, you may need to see a neurologist. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. This could include conditions like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome. During your appointment, your neurologist will perform a physical exam and may order tests such as a sleep study or an MRI to help diagnose your condition.
Sleep Specialist
If you are having difficulty sleeping or have other sleep-related issues, you may need to see a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. During your appointment, your sleep specialist will ask questions about your sleep habits and may order tests such as a polysomnogram or an actigraphy to help diagnose your condition. The sleep specialist may also suggest lifestyle changes or medications to help you get better sleep.
If you are sleeping a lot more than usual, it is important to talk to a doctor to determine the cause. Depending on the underlying cause, you may need to see a primary care physician, a neurologist, or a sleep specialist. By talking to a doctor, you can get the help you need to get a better night’s sleep.