Sleep Medicine in District of Columbia, Washington

What Is a Sleep Specialist

A Specialist sleep - a doctor, dealing with sleep disorders, their treatment. In addition, he need to know all the diseases that can cause sleep disorder, and actively collaborate with neurologists, cardiologists, psychologists, otolaryngologists.

What treat the Somnology

Somnology treats sleep disorders caused by reasons of psychological and physical character, as well as resulting from improper mode of the day. He also treats snoring in his sleep. For a comprehensive treatment of disorders is often required correction of the schedule and the daily chart, the elimination of stress and treatment of severe stress. 

The most common Sleep disorders:

• Alcohol and drug disorder;
• The emergence of nightmares and fears;
• Insomnia;
• Narcolepsy;
• Temporary dysfunction of limb action;
• Sleep disturbance associated with rapidly moving eyes;
• The syndrome of fatigue in the legs;
• Shortage of breath;
• Gnashing of teeth during sleep;
• Parasomnias;
• Sleepwalking;
• Urinary incontinence;
• The effects of oversleeping;
• Snoring;
• Paralysis during sleep;
• Vagal syndrome;
• Speaking in a dream.

When to see a Specialist

To consult a Sleep Specialist if you are concerned about the following symptoms:

• Increased daytime sleepiness;
• Strong and regular snoring;
• Slow breathing or termination thereof during sleep;
• Poor sleep quality with a long falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night and in the early hours;
• Dependence on sleeping pills;
• Hypertension and ischemia in a dream;
• Episodic sudden strongly pronounced weakness in the body, which is accompanied by strong emotions, and usually ends up falling;
• Atypical behavior during sleep, seizures;
• Sleep disturbance due to the frequent change of time zones or shift work.

Prevention of Sleep Disorders

Sleep Specialists suggest 10 simple rules that will provide you a healthy sleep:

1. Go to bed at one and the same time.

2. Before the 6 hours before bedtime - to stop the use of caffeine-containing products.

3. Daytime sleep should not exceed 45 minutes.

4. During the 4 hours before bedtime - avoid severe, acute and sweet foods, drinking alcohol. Dinner should be light.

5. Give up smoking in the afternoon.

6. Regular exercise for the maintenance of the overall tone. However, it is important not to made exercise immediately before bedtime.

7. Provide comfortable conditions for sleep - fresh linens, comfortable mattress and pillow.

8. The bedroom should be dark, well ventilated, have a comfortable air temperature.

9. Use the bed only for sleeping. Try not to transform the bed in the workplace or a home theater.