In case of sleep disorders, it is useless to turn to therapists, neurologists or other “ordinary” doctors. These diseases require specific treatment, which does not come down to the appointment of sleeping pills or advice to change the pillow. A specialist who treats sleep disorders is called a somnologist. As a rule, somnologists work in specialized departments (sleep medicine centers, sleep rooms, sleep laboratories).
Now you are on the website of the largest sleep center in Russia, which is located in Moscow and operates on the basis of the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki. Over 21 years of work, our employees have helped more than 14,000 patients with various sleep disorders.
In this article, we will tell you what criteria to choose a center and a doctor for the successful treatment of sleep disorders.
With what problems can you go to a somnologist?
There are 50 sleep diseases. Among them are insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, pathological sleepiness, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, circadian disorders and much more. Any person who is dissatisfied with their sleep can contact a somnologist, he will be diagnosed and prescribed treatment. If the cause of poor sleep is due to a disease handled by a doctor in another specialty (for example, insomnia is often due to thyroid disease), the somnologist will redirect the patient to him.
How to choose the right sleep center?
View the information on the website of the sleep center or ask the following questions by phone
1. Under what conditions is polysomnography performed ?
You have a sleep disorder. You will most likely need to spend at least one night in a sleep center to perform a sleep study – polysomnography . Therefore, comfortable conditions are very important: at least one and a half beds, orthopedic mattresses and pillows, cozy rooms. This is important to ensure that you get as much sleep as possible so that the sleep study is successful and reveals as much information as possible.
We pay great attention to the convenience of our patients. Comfortable rooms in terms of convenience and equipment correspond to a 4-star hotel room.
2. Where will the patient be referred if the treatment requires the help of doctors of other specialties?
This question is important to find out in advance. If a patient snores due to diseases of the ENT organs, in addition to a somnologist, he may need an otorhinolaryngologist. If a patient has insomnia due to depression, he needs a psychotherapist. In severe sleep apnea, comorbidities of the heart, nervous system, and other organs are common, requiring the involvement of a range of specialists. If the center’s sleepologists do not cooperate with other specialists, the treatment process may be interrupted and not completed.
Our Center employs all the doctors whose help may be required in the conservative treatment of patients with sleep disorders. For surgical operations, we refer patients to one of the largest ENT clinics in Moscow, with whose doctors we have been cooperating for more than 10 years.
3. Are there comprehensive treatment programs?
For some diseases, such as insomnia, it is advisable to be treated within the framework of special programs. Our center implements a unique author’s cognitive-behavioral program for the treatment of insomnia by Dr. Buzunov , which allows you to cope even with long-term, chronic sleep disturbance.
4. What equipment is used at the Center?
It is important that the Center be equipped with modern equipment ( polysomnography system, CPAP equipment), otherwise the results of diagnostics and treatment will not be high enough.