Who is a Sleep Specialist?
Sleep specialists are physicians who are board certified in sleep medicine by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM). These individuals have met stringent training requirements, and have passed an examination administered by their peers. Physicians who are board certified in sleep medicine usually have primary specialties in other fields, such as pulmonary medicine, neurology, psychiatry, or other areas of medicine. Some board certified sleep specialists are not physicians, but have met the ABSM requirements for certification and practice in the field.

Consumers should be wary of individuals without appropriate credentials who portray themselves as sleep specialists. Consumers are advised to seek care from board certified specialists practicing in AASM accredited centers.

What do Sleep Specialists Do?
Sleep specialists are experts in the evaluation and treatment of the full range of sleep disorders. They typically conduct office-based assessments with new patients, and provide overnight sleep laboratory testing (polysomnography) and daytime sleep laboratory testing (multiple sleep latency test, maintenance of wakefulness test) servicesa to patients. The evaluations conducted by sleep specialists enable them to render diagnoses and develop treatment plans for their patients.

Treatment by a sleep specialist may include the use of medication, medical devices (such as nasal CPAP), behavioral interventions, and other forms of therapy.

Office Visits and Laboratory Procedures
The list below is a list of services commonly provided in sleep disorders centers.

Initial Consultation: A full 45 - 80 minute office visit with a sleep specialist, which includes sleep, medical, and psychiatric histories. This visit also may include a physical examination and lab testing (e.g., bloodwork, urinalysis, drug screen, EKG) Follow-Up Visit: A brief 30 – 60 minute office visit with a sleep specialist, usually done to review test results, initiate treatment, or monitor and modify treatment as needed. Nocturnal Polysomnography (Diagnostic): Overnight sleep testing performed in accordance with current standards of practice. Nocturnal Polysomnography with Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Overnight sleep testing performed in accordance with current standards of practice, with nasal CPAP added and adjusted to therapeutic pressures. Split-Night Polysomnography: Overnight testing that is split between a diagnostic period, usually at the beginning of the recording, and a nasal CPAP period. Nocturnal Seizure Recording: Multi-channel EEG recording performed in order to evaluate sleep-related seizures. Mutliple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): A test that involves a series of daytime nap opportunities, usually at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM, when needed, in order to evaluate daytime sleepiness. The MSLT is desirable for all cases of daytime sleepiness, and is required for the evaluation of narcolepsy. Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT): A daytime challenge test in which the patient is given multiple opportunities to nap, but instructed to remain awake during the recording period. The MWT often provides valuable information relevant to the patient’s ability to sustain wakefulness in occupational settings or when performing critical tasks (e.g., driving). Holter Monitor: Multi-lead cardiographic (ECG) recording, which can be performed in association with polysomnography when cardiac function during sleep is a concern.