Signs You Should See A Sleep Specialist in Silver Spring, MD
Find A Solution To Your Sleep Problems
Sleep is an essential part of our day-to-day lives that allows our body and mind to rest and recover from the stresses of daily life. However, sometimes we experience difficulties sleeping, and it can be challenging to determine when we should seek the help of a sleep specialist.
In Silver Spring, MD, our sleep dentist Dr. Alice Bassord can provide the necessary care and attention to help you get the restful sleep you need. Read her guide to explore the signs you may need to see a sleep specialist.
You Loudly Snore
Loud snoring can be a sign of a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. If you snore loudly, wake up feeling tired, and have difficulty staying awake during the day, you should see a sleep specialist. Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke without treatment.
You Wake Up Tired
Waking up tired and groggy, even after a full night’s sleep, is a common problem caused by several factors. Feeling fatigued and unrefreshed in the morning can impact your productivity, mood, and overall quality of life. This condition can be an indication of an underlying sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or restless leg syndrome.
If you are experiencing persistent fatigue and sleepiness, it’s essential to see a sleep specialist in Silver Spring, MD, who can help determine the underlying cause of your condition. A sleep specialist will conduct a comprehensive sleep evaluation, including a physical examination, medical history review, and sleep study, to assess the severity of your fatigue.
You Have Difficulty Getting and Staying Asleep
Difficulty falling and staying asleep, also known as insomnia, is a common sleep disorder that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Insomnia can be caused by several factors, including:
- Medical conditions
- Psychological disorders
- Certain medications
- Lifestyle habits.
If you are experiencing insomnia, it’s essential to see a sleep specialist who can help determine the underlying cause of your sleep difficulties. A sleep specialist will conduct a comprehensive sleep evaluation, including a physical examination, medical history review, and a sleep study, to assess the severity of your condition.
You Have Frequent Nightmares
Experiencing repeated nightmares or night terrors can be a distressing and disruptive experience for anyone. These types of dreams can be an indication of an underlying sleep disorder. Nightmares are often associated with REM sleep, a critical phase responsible for memory consolidation and emotional regulation.
The underlying cause of nightmares or night terrors is unique to each patient, and it may be related to other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. Once we identify the cause of these dreams, your sleep specialist will develop a personalized treatment plan to help restore your uninterrupted sleep.
You Have Sleepwalking Episodes
Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a parasomnia disorder that occurs during deep sleep. If you experience sleepwalking episodes, it may be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder. Sleepwalking can be dangerous, as it can lead to injuries and accidents while asleep.
The underlying cause of sleepwalking can vary from person to person, and it may be related to other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder. Additionally, sleepwalking can be caused by certain medications, substances, or underlying medical conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
How Dr. Bassford Can Help
Once you’ve received a diagnosis from your sleep specialist, Dr. Bassford can help create a solution to your problems. As an experienced sleep dentist in Silver Spring, she works hard to provide her patients with several treatment options. We’ll work with you to find the solution to your sleep disorder and help you get and stay asleep, night after night.
Oral Appliance Therapy at Silver Spring Sleep Solutions
Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for sleep apnea to can effectively manage the symptoms of this condition. The therapy involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance designed to fit over your teeth like a mouthguard. The oral appliance works by repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep, reducing the frequency and severity of sleep apnea episodes.
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is a comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which can be uncomfortable and difficult for some people to use. Oral appliances are easy to use and more discreet than CPAP machines, making them a popular choice among patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my first visit to a sleep specialist?
You’ll undergo a sleep evaluation during your first visit to a sleep specialist. This evaluation may include a physical exam, sleep study, and medical history review. Your sleep specialist will then develop a personalized treatment plan based on the results to help you sleep better.
What treatments are available for sleep disorders?
Many treatments are available for sleep disorders, including medication, lifestyle changes, and medical devices like a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or an oral appliance. Your sleep specialist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and the underlying cause of your sleep disorder.
What are the signs of sleep apnea in children?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder affecting both adults and children. In children, sleep apnea is often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids and can have consequences if left untreated. Here are some common signs of sleep apnea in children:
- Snoring: Loud and persistent snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea in children. The snoring may come with pauses in breathing, choking or gasping sounds, or restless sleep.
- Mouth breathing: Children with sleep apnea often breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, especially when sleeping.
- Daytime sleepiness: Sleep apnea can cause children to feel tired and sleepy during the day, affecting their ability to concentrate and perform well in school.
- Irritability: Children with sleep apnea may be irritable and have difficulty controlling their emotions due to a lack of quality sleep.
- Bedwetting: Bedwetting is another common sign of sleep apnea in children. The condition can cause the child to produce excessive urine at night, leading to bedwetting.
- Poor growth: Sleep apnea can interfere with a child’s growth and development. If left untreated, it can lead to delayed physical and cognitive development.
How often should I visit a sleep specialist after being diagnosed with a sleep disorder?
The frequency of follow-up visits with a sleep specialist after diagnosis of a sleep disorder will depend on the specific condition and treatment plan. Generally, sleep specialists will schedule follow-up appointments at regular intervals to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
In some cases, patients may need to see a sleep specialist more frequently, particularly if they are undergoing a new treatment or experiencing significant changes in their symptoms. Ultimately, the recommended frequency of follow-up visits with a sleep specialist will be determined on a case-by-case basis and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Recover Your Good Night’s Sleep With Dr. Bassford
Sleep is an essential component of our daily lives. If you’re experiencing difficulties sleeping, seek help from a sleep specialist in Silver Spring, MD. Silver Spring sleep dentist Dr. Bassford recommends speaking with a sleep specialist if you experience any routine sleep disruptions. With the help of a sleep specialist, you can determine the underlying cause of your sleep disorder and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you sleep better.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Bassford at her sleep dentist office in Silver Spring, MD, by calling (301) 593-5500 or filling out our online contact form. We always look forward to helping patients in Silver Spring and the surrounding areas of Kensington and Wheaton-Glenmont, MD.