7 Signs You Should See a Sleep Specialist

& When to Do It

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Getting sufficient sleep every night is vital for daily functioning and overall health. Yet, approximately 50 to 70 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep issues. Research consistently demonstrates the importance of quality sleep, linking it to a wide range of mental and physical health benefits. When sleep is consistently disrupted, it's often a sign that something more is going on and seeking professional help can be crucial.

Why it matters

Chronic sleep problems can be indicative of underlying health conditions and can have serious consequences for overall well-being. Seeing a sleep specialist can help pinpoint the cause of sleep issues and develop a tailored treatment plan to improve sleep quality and daytime functioning.

The details

A board-certified sleep disorder specialist, known as a somnologist, can help pinpoint the cause of chronic sleep problems and develop a tailored treatment plan. These plans may incorporate behavioral therapies, medications, mechanical devices, and lifestyle adjustments. The article outlines 7 key signs that indicate it's time to see a sleep specialist, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive snoring, waking up too early, persistent daytime fatigue, falling asleep at inappropriate times, involuntary movements during sleep, and having a chronic health condition that affects sleep.

  • The article was published on February 8, 2026.

The players

Brandon Peters, MD

A board-certified sleep and neurology specialist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle.

Yi Cai, MD

An assistant professor and the director of sleep surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Over-the-counter sleep aids may mask the problem without addressing the underlying cause.”

— Brandon Peters, MD, Board-certified sleep and neurology specialist (newsdirectory3.com)

“Loud or irregular snoring, especially with pauses in breathing, may indicate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Waking up gasping or choking and feeling unrefreshed no matter how long you sleep are also warning signs.”

— Yi Cai, MD, Assistant professor and director of sleep surgery (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The article recommends keeping a sleep log for 2-4 weeks prior to your first appointment with a sleep specialist to help them better evaluate your sleep patterns and identify the underlying causes of your sleep issues.

The takeaway

Seeking help from a sleep specialist can be crucial for addressing chronic sleep problems, as they can help identify the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan to improve sleep quality and overall health.