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When to See a Sleep Doctor

When to See a Sleep Doctor About Insomnia
When to See a Sleep Doctor About Insomnia
If you’ve tried multiple strategies and still struggle with sleep, you’re not alone. This page is here to help you understand when it might be time to seek professional guidance—and what to expect if you do.
Take the insomnia screener if you’d like help reflecting on your symptoms before your next step.
🩺 What Is a Sleep Doctor?
A sleep doctor is a physician trained in sleep medicine—often with a background in pulmonology, psychiatry, neurology, or internal medicine. They specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs, and more. Some work in dedicated sleep clinics, while others collaborate with your primary care provider.
If you’re curious about the field or looking for professional standards, here are some of the major organizations that oversee sleep medicine around the world:
- American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) – Historical certifying board for sleep specialists in the U.S.
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) – Leading U.S. society for clinical sleep care and accreditation standards.
- European Sleep Research Society (ESRS) – Offers the Somnologist Certification and supports sleep medicine across Europe.
- Canadian Sleep Society (CSS) – Professional body for sleep clinicians and researchers in Canada.
📍 Signs It’s Time to See a Sleep Specialist
If insomnia lasts more than 3–4 weeks or begins to affect your daytime focus, mood, or quality of life, it may be time to consult a specialist. Other signs include early waking, trouble falling back asleep, or trying several approaches with little improvement. You can also review the common signs of insomnia to see how your symptoms compare.
🌬️ Why Sleep Apnea Is Often the First Question
When you see a sleep doctor for insomnia, one of the first steps is often ruling out sleep apnea. That’s because disrupted breathing during sleep can mimic or worsen insomnia symptoms. You don’t need to snore loudly to be at risk—mild cases are often overlooked, especially in women and non-overweight individuals.
If you're wondering whether sleep apnea might be contributing to your insomnia, ApneaRisk.com can help you explore the signs.
🧑⚕️ What a Sleep Doctor Can Do
Sleep doctors help identify what’s keeping you awake. They can recommend CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia), rule out sleep apnea or other conditions, prescribe short-term medications, or help you build a personalized treatment plan. Many also coordinate with your family doctor or therapist.
🧪 Do I Need a Sleep Study?
Not everyone needs one. Sleep studies are usually recommended if you snore, gasp during sleep, or feel excessively tired during the day. These tests may be done at home (HSAT) or in a clinic, depending on your symptoms and medical history. If you’re unsure whether sleep apnea could be part of the picture, ClaraWell’s ApneaRisk™ hub offers a simple guide to common signs and next steps.
📓 How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Before seeing a sleep doctor, jot down how long your symptoms have lasted, what treatments you’ve tried, and how your sleep patterns vary. Tracking bedtime, wake times, and energy levels for a week or two can also be helpful.
🧠 When Insomnia and Mental Health Overlap
Insomnia often connects with anxiety, trauma, or depression. A sleep-focused psychiatrist or therapist may be part of your care team. Seeing a doctor doesn’t always mean medication—it’s about understanding the full picture of your sleep and mental wellness.
💻 Virtual vs In-Person Sleep Care
Many sleep assessments and even CBT-I can now be done virtually. Depending on your location and symptoms, telemedicine may offer a more accessible and comfortable path to getting help without a long wait.
⏳ Why Sooner Is Better
Chronic insomnia can rewire your brain’s relationship with rest. The longer it persists, the harder it can become to treat. Seeking help early—before frustration or exhaustion builds—often leads to better long-term outcomes. If you’re unsure what might be contributing, explore common causes of insomnia here.
🧭 ClaraWell Can Help You Reflect
While ClaraWell™ isn't a clinic, it can guide you in thinking about your symptoms, habits, and patterns. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to escalate care, our free insomnia screener may help clarify your next step.
💬 You’re Not Alone in This
Struggling with sleep doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means your body and mind may need support—and the right professional can help you find it. Whether you’re managing anxiety, pain, or just don’t know why sleep feels so hard, help is out there.
Wondering if it’s time to get help for your sleep? ClaraWell™ offers a free screener to help you reflect and decide what to do next.
Take the Insomnia Risk Screener