Sleep Medicine Doctors:
These physicians most often start out in the fields of neurology, internal medicine, psychiatry, or other specialty, then complete additional training in sleep medicine. They focus on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, including IH.

Pulmonologists:
The respiratory system (lungs and breathing) plays a critical role in many sleep disorders. Pulmonologists – or respiratory doctors – have expertise in sleep-disordered breathing and may be involved in determining whether a given sleep disorder has a respiratory cause.

Neurologists:
A neurologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses, treats and manages problems associated with the brain and nervous system. As sleep disorders often have an underlying connection to the brain, neurologists frequently assess sleep-related conditions.

Psychiatrists
Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that focuses on management and prevention of of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Many psychiatrists also have training in sleep-related disorders. Sleep disorders often occur with other mental conditions, such as depression, anxiety or cognitive disorders, so psychiatrists can be very important.

Primary Care/Internal Medicine:
Sleep disorders are associated with serious health conditions and are common in the general population, and primary care providers are often the first clinicians to know of a patient’s sleep problems. They play a critical role in assessing patients who present with excessive sleepiness, insomnia and abnormal nighttime events. In many cases they can deliver initial treatment, but will frequently refer patients to specialized caregivers for specific sleep-related care.

Advanced Practice Providers, Nurses, Pharmacists, and others:
In addition to physicians, several other caregivers are often involved in the care of sleep-related conditions.