Posted by Nyx on October 08, 2009 at 08:32:17:In Reply to: which specialist posted by narco-newbie on October 01, 2009 at 07:46:14:
Sleep medicine training is basically a one year fellowship that can be done after a residency in neurology, pulmonology/internal medicine/pediatrics, or psychiatry. Most sleep medicine doctors tend to be pulmonologists by training, since the majority of patients presenting with a sleep disorder have sleep apnea. While there are many more neurological sleep disorders, the numbers of patients with those disorders is far fewer. And then there are a number of psychiatrists with sleep medicine training as well.
Given that you've already been told that you lack stages 3 and 4 of sleep, it sounds like you should definitely go to a neurologist with sleep medicine training. While an internal medicine doctor with sleep medicine training may be sufficient, why risk it? Their area of expertise is in sleep apnea, and not really in an area that sounds all that helpful for you. When it comes to these types of less common disorders, sometimes getting to the right doctor is half the battle. Thus the fact that narcolepsy can go undiagnosed (or misdiagnosed) for so many years. I would without a doubt wait for the neurologist/sleep specialist (perhaps you could call and see if you can bump up your appointment if you're anxious). They should have the best experience and knowledge diagnosing and treating you. Good luck.