Question 1

What can I do to sleep better?

Accepted Answer

Sleep is a vital function that keeps our bodies healthy, moods stable, and mind sharp. So how can you leverage a good night's sleep for maximum benefits? Here are a few strategies.

__Make your bedroom more sleep-friendly__: Make sure you're sleeping in a cool, dark, quiet place. Avoid artificial light from electronic devices, which can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.

__Be consistent with your sleep schedule__: Going to bed at the same time each night is an easy way to balance out your sleep schedule and establish a routine that your circadian rhythm can match. Sleeping in and staying up late is tempting on the weekends, but the more regularly you go to bed at the same time, the more likely you'll keep insomnia at bay.

__Avoid stimulants and depressants__: Substances like nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol can disrupt sleep. If you're experiencing insomnia, think twice before you have that 4pm cup of coffee.

__Get regular exercise__: Exercising at least 5-6 hours before bed can help you fall and stay asleep more easily.

__Avoid daytime naps__: Save the sleep for bedtime.

__Eat meals on a regular schedule__: Late-night dinners can keep you awake at night. Sleep doctors recommend you eat dinner at similar times, well before bed, each day.

__Practice stress management__:  Meditate, do yoga, read a book, or listen to soothing music. Follow a routine that helps you relax before bed.

__Keep a sleep diary:__ The habits that are disrupting your sleep aren't always easy to notice. A sleep diary is a valuable tool for monitoring your sleep habits, documenting your sleep problems, and identifying patterns that may affect your sleep.

For more ideas on how to build healthy sleep habits, speak with one of the real, quality doctors on Sesame. Sesame can connect you directly with top-rated sleep specialists near you at affordable cash pay prices.

Question 2

Do I have a sleep disorder?

Accepted Answer

If you're not getting enough sleep you're not alone. More than one-third of Americans (about 70 million people) describe their sleep as "poor" or "only fair." The most common symptoms of a sleep disorder are:
- Difficulty staying awake when not physically active.
- Struggling to pay attention or concentrate at work, school, or in social situations.
- Performance problems in school or at work.
- Consistently being told that you look sleepy.
- Difficulty with memory.
- Slowed reflexes or response times.
- Difficulty controlling your emotions.
- Feeling the constant need to nap.
- Snoring loudly.

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Question 3

What kind of doctor do you see for sleep problems?

Accepted Answer

Sleep is a complex function, and many doctors are trained to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Depending on the nature of your sleep deficiency, a primary care physician, psychiatrist, neurologist, or pediatrician could be right for you.

If you're needing a good night's sleep Sesame can help! Sesame offers convenient sleep medicine specialist consultations near you at affordable cash-pay prices. Book directly with the doctor you want to see and save up to 60% on your appointment when you book through Sesame - no insurance needed.

Question 4

What does a sleep doctor do?

Accepted Answer

Sleep physicians and sleep specialists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Most train in internal medicine, psychiatry, pediatrics, or neurology, during their residency. After completing their residency, they complete a fellowship program in sleep medicine.

Sleep physicians that receive training in sleep medicine are accredited by the board certification from the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM).

Sleep psychologists are sleep specialists who focus on the mental and behavioral issues that may contribute to sleep problems.

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors or Otolaryngologists, will also perform procedures to address certain sleep issues. For example, repairing structural problems with the nose, mouth, or throat that cause snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.

Question 5

What are the most common sleep disorders?

Accepted Answer

Sleep disorders are as diverse in their effects as they are in their causes. Some of the most common sleep disorders that doctors treat include:

__Insomnia__: Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.

__Sleep apnea__: Sleep apnea includes abnormal patterns in breathing while you are asleep. There are several types of sleep apnea.

__Restless legs syndrome (RLS)__: Restless leg syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a type of sleep movement disorder in which patients feel an urge to move their legs while trying to fall asleep. This can lead to discomfort.

__Periodic limb movement (PLM):__ Periodic limb movement is characterized by repetitive jerking or cramping in the legs while sleeping. PLM is the only movement disorder that occurs only during sleep. While it is often linked with RLS, they are not the same thing.

__Narcolepsy__: Characterized by extreme sleepiness during the day and falling asleep suddenly during the day.

__Sleepwalking (somnambulism)__: Involves getting up and walking around while in a state of sleep.

Question 6

What is a sleep study and does insurance cover it?

Accepted Answer

A sleep study is a diagnostic test that screens for sleep conditions. During a sleep study, doctors will monitor your heart rate, eye movement, brainwaves, oxygen saturation, and breathing while you sleep, getting the data they need to get to the bottom of - and ultimately treat - whatever is disrupting your normal sleep pattern.

Sleep studies are sometimes covered by insurance. Even with insurance, though, the amount you pay depends entirely on the relationship between your insurance company and the sleep institute conducting the study. The out-of-pocket cost will also depend on if you've met your deductible or not. The number of variables is enough to disrupt your sleep patterns even further.

If lack of sleep is dampening your quality of life, it's time to take back control. Sesame works directly with doctors - not insurance networks- so you can compare prices and book a visit with the sleep physician you want to see.

Question 7

How do I find a sleep doctor near me?

Accepted Answer

Right here! On Sesame you can connect with real, quality doctors licensed to treat patients in Kansas City, MO for a range of sleep disorders in conditions. Sesame works directly with doctors - not insurance companies - to get you the care you need at affordable, upfront prices. Save up to 60% on your next sleep medicine consultation when you book with Sesame.

Question 8

What is the difference between insomnia and sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Sleep apnea is a physical condition that causes disrupted breathing during sleep. Insomnia, on the other hand, is a broader term that may cover any condition in which people have trouble falling or staying asleep. In some cases, sleep apnea may be a secondary cause of insomnia and insomnia may be a symptom of sleep apnea. However, the conditions may also be completely unrelated.

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