A sleep medicine specialist or sleeping doctor is one of the best resources to seek diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders – health conditions that can interrupt your sleep, keep you from falling asleep, or wake you up earlier than usual.
There are over 80 sleep disorders, and for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of your unique sleep disorder, you must see the right sleeping doctor. The right sleeping doctor is the one who provides care tailored to your unique needs and with whom you can develop a rewarding relationship.
Here are some tips that can help you choose the right sleeping doctor for you. Additionally, let’s talk about where you can go for the treatment of your sleep disorders in the Reno-Sparks, NV area.
Look Up the Search Engines
Start your search by looking for a sleeping doctor on search engines like Google and Microsoft Explorer. Simply type “sleep doctor near me” in the search bar, and you should be able to see a page containing a list of all the sleep medicine doctors in your area. From there, visit the website of the sleep medicine doctor (if available) and get that information to make an informed decision.
You can also research for a highly trained and skilled sleep medicine doctor through organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine or Narcolepsy Network.
Ask Your Primary Care Doctor and Social Circle
Sleep disorders are all too common, and it’s possible that the people in your social circle, like your family, friends, and colleagues, may have sought help from a sleeping doctor for their sleep-related concerns.
If you know someone in your circle who has a sleeping disorder and has seen a sleep medicine doctor, it can be helpful to reach out to them for recommendations. The people in your social circle may also be able to provide you with an insight into the treatment and the overall quality of care they received from the sleep doctor.
Your primary care doctor can also be an excellent resource for finding a sleep doctor. They may have a list of good sleeping doctors in your area and can refer you to the one best suited to address your needs.
It is wise to make a list of all the referrals and recommendations you receive, visit the website of the recommended sleep medicine doctors, and get all the necessary information about them that can guide your decision.
Check the Credentials of Sleeping Doctor
Verifying the credentials of the sleeping doctor is an important step in ensuring that you choose a qualified and reputable sleep doctor. So, take time to research and confirm the credentials of the sleeping doctor, such as their board certification, medical license, and affiliation with reputable sleep medicine organizations.
You can research and verify the credentials, such as board certification, of the sleeping doctor by visiting the websites of relevant boards, such as the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) and/or the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
Consider the Experience of The Sleep Medicine Doctor
The more experienced the sleep doctor is, the more high-quality care you will be able to receive. Therefore, consider the experience of the sleep medicine doctor. Find out how long they have been practicing sleep medicine and their expertise in treating your unique sleep disorder.
Check the Accreditation of Sleep Center
Another thing that you should consider when finding the right sleep medicine doctor is the proper accreditation of the sleep center. The sleep medicine doctor might be board-certified, but the proper accreditation of the clinic is a different story.
Therefore, look for a clinic that is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as this will ensure that the sleep center follows the provisions of a quality medical sleep clinic.
Read Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading the reviews and testimonials of the people who have received care from the sleeping doctor can provide you with valuable insights into the quality of care provided by the sleep doctor, the attitude and behavior of the staff with the patients, and patient satisfaction with the sleep doctor or sleep center.
While patient reviews can be informative, you must be cautious as the reviews may be fabricated.
Consider the Location of the Sleep Center
Typically, a sleep medicine doctor performs a sleep study to assess your sleeping disorder. After the sleeping study, you will wake up the next morning and will probably want to go right home or to the office, so make sure that you choose a sleep medicine doctor whose office is conveniently located near your home or office and is easily accessible from the main roads and highways.
If you do not wish to travel and would like to see a sleep medicine doctor in the comfort of your home, choose a sleep medicine doctor who offers telehealth appointments.
Consider the Communication Style of the Doctor
Effective and honest communication between you and your sleeping doctor can enhance your understanding of your unique sleep problem, possible treatment options, and overall care. Therefore, when choosing a sleep medicine doctor, evaluate their communication style.
For this, make a one-on-one consultation with the potential sleep medicine doctors and evaluate if they actively listen to your concerns, symptoms, and questions, explain medical terms and treatment options understandably, and show concern for your overall well-being.
Choose a sleeping doctor with whom you feel comfortable sharing your concern and who demonstrates effective and compassionate communication.
Sleeping Doctors in the Reno-Sparks, NV Area
If you are in search of a board-certified sleep medicine doctor who can provide you with compassionate and quality care for your unique sleeping disorders, visit us here at MelioRem Sleep. Our board-certified and highly experienced sleep physician, Dr. Innocent Ezenwa, performs a comprehensive evaluation using sleep study and offers a wide range of treatments, including oral devices, medications, behavioral therapy, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, to name a few.
If you would like to arrange an in-person consultation or telehealth consultation with our sleeping doctor, call us today at (775) 557-4900 or use our online appointment request form.
