Can a primary care physician diagnose and treat common sleep disorders?

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are well-suited to diagnose and manage common sleep disorders, such as insomnia. They can identify sleep problems during regular check-ups or when patients report issues with sleeping. PCPs use different tools and strategies to help diagnose these disorders.

Diagnosis

PCPs can screen for insomnia by asking questions about sleep patterns, daytime sleepiness, and other related symptoms. They may use questionnaires to get a better understanding of the sleep issues.

Treatment

For treating insomnia, PCPs might suggest lifestyle changes, like having a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, or avoiding caffeine before bed. They may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which can be very effective.

If these strategies don't work, PCPs might prescribe medications to help with sleep. However, they often start with non-drug approaches first.

PCPs play a key role in helping patients manage sleep disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep issues, it's a good idea to talk to a primary care doctor. For mental health concerns, you can visit 988lifeline.org.