Sleep clinic vs. sleep lab, sleep doctor vs. sleep specialist—there is a lot of terminology in the world of sleep medicine, which can make it challenging to choose the right sleep doctor for you. The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona is recognized as the Face of Sleep Medicine in Phoenix and there’s no need for a referral to schedule a consultation with a sleep specialist. This means your first meeting will be with an expert who can diagnose sleep disorders, which is the first step in testing and treatment. We are an outcome-driven facility committed to helping you achieve enough quality sleep for your health and well-being.

But what exactly should you look for in a sleep doctor? A clinic that provides diagnoses and treatments is critical. There are many sleep labs that exclusively offer testing services without diagnosis or treatment. However, you also want to seek out a facility that offers the latest, most innovative forms of management and treatment. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is often the best approach for insomnia. When it comes to treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), CPAP therapy remains the standard treatment—but there are other options available when you work with the leading sleep doctor.

Options Beyond CPAP for OSA

Dr. Ruchir P. Patel received the Inspire Physician Excellence Award from Inspire and is part of the exclusive Inspire Excellence Program (2021). This award is only for those who provide the best results for patients who undergo Inspire implant treatment for OSA. This recognition from Inspire is a rare honor and has only been awarded to 19 centers around the globe. For those struggling with OSA, it’s important to have every available treatment at your disposal, and that includes implants.

CPAP treatment is required prior to any patient being eligible for an implant. It is uncommon for CPAP to not be effective when worn correctly and routinely, but in these rare cases an implant can be helpful. Both CPAP and implants force the airway to remain open while a person sleeps, which decreases the risks associated with paused or troubled breathing while asleep—including several co-morbidities like cardiovascular disease and even death.

Taking Care of Your Sleep Health

Sleep is a critical part of a person’s health and well-being, but one that is often overlooked or neglected in Western society. We are living in an era that celebrates lack of sleep, but in reality even one night of poor sleep can have detrimental effects. Poor quality sleep has been linked to numerous physical, emotional, and mental negative side-effects but help is available. Working with a sleep physician is the first step in managing or treating every sleep disorder.

The Insomnia and Sleep Institute works with patients as young as two years old because sleep disorders can occur even in young patients. Additionally, lack of sleep in developing bodies (children) can be especially devastating. If you suspect your child has a sleep disorder or are otherwise worried about their sleep consistencies or habits, seeing a sleep specialist is key.

Scheduling Your Consultation with a Sleep Specialist

Sleep disorders are often missed by GPs and pediatricians. In fact, it’s estimated that a large number of people are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed when it comes to sleep disorders. For instance, 30 – 48% of adults are said to have insomnia, with women having a lifetime risk of the disorder 40% higher than men. It is also approximated that up to 30% of people have obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep apnea.

Symptoms of various sleep disorders don’t always present in the most common way. If you’re experiencing any side effects that might be a sign of a sleep disorder, including fatigue and headaches, it’s time to schedule a consultation with a sleep specialist today. The Insomnia and Sleep Institute is home to leading sleep experts and we offer the latest treatments, techniques, and tools to help you regain control of your sleep health. To schedule your consult, contact The Insomnia and Sleep Institute today by calling the office or, for the fastest response, complete the online form.