FAQs

What does a sleep medicine specialist do?

A sleep medicine specialist diagnoses and treats disorders that affect how you fall asleep, stay asleep, breathe during sleep, or stay alert during the day. At Sleep Health MD, our team evaluates conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome, then builds a treatment plan around your results.

Where are your sleep medicine offices located?

We have four offices: Santa Cruz (1665 Dominican Way, Ste 222), Freedom (150 Carnation Drive, Ste 4), Sunnyvale (260 South Sunnyvale Ave, Ste 6), and Monterey (101 Wilson Rd, Ste D). All offices can be reached at (844) 387-5337.

Do I need a referral to see a sleep doctor?

Some insurance plans, especially HMOs, require a referral from your primary care provider before a sleep consultation. Many PPO and Medicare patients can schedule directly. Check with your carrier or review our accepted insurances page, and physicians can use our referring physicians page to send a referral.

How do I know if I should see a sleep specialist?

Consider an evaluation if you snore loudly, stop breathing or gasp during sleep, struggle to fall or stay asleep for more than a few weeks, feel exhausted despite a full night in bed, fall asleep unintentionally during the day, or have unusual movements or behaviors at night.

What happens at my first sleep consultation?

Your provider reviews your sleep habits, symptoms, medical history, and medications, and performs a focused exam of the nose, mouth, and throat. Based on that visit, we may recommend a sleep study, lifestyle changes, or a specific treatment. Our new patients page explains how to prepare.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card(s), a list of current medications, and any prior sleep studies or CPAP compliance reports. If you already use a PAP device, bring the machine or its data card. New patient packets are available on our patient forms page.

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study records information such as breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, brain waves, and leg movements while you sleep. It helps confirm or rule out conditions like sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and narcolepsy.

Can I do a sleep study at home?

Many adults with suspected obstructive sleep apnea qualify for a home sleep apnea test, which you set up and wear in your own bed for one night. Patients with more complex symptoms, or suspected conditions like narcolepsy or REM sleep behavior disorder, usually need an attended in-lab study.

Is a sleep study covered by insurance?

Most medical insurance plans, including Medicare, cover sleep testing when it is medically necessary. Coverage, deductibles, and prior authorization rules vary by plan, so contact your carrier to confirm your benefits.

Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?

No, but loud, frequent snoring is one of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea, particularly when paired with pauses in breathing, gasping, or daytime fatigue. A sleep evaluation is the only reliable way to tell the difference.

What treatments are available for sleep apnea?

Treatment depends on severity and anatomy. Options include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, positional therapy, weight management, and Inspire therapy for qualifying patients who cannot use CPAP. Surgery is generally reserved for specific cases.

Do you provide CPAP equipment and support?

Yes. Our staff provides CPAP education and equipment setup, and our CPAP specialists handle ongoing compliance management and follow-up, even if another company supplies your equipment. Setup and care videos are available on our instructional forms and videos page.

What if I can’t tolerate my CPAP machine?

Many patients struggle with mask fit, air pressure, dryness, or claustrophobia. Mask changes, pressure adjustments, and humidification often help. If CPAP still isn’t working, read about CPAP intolerance and alternatives such as Inspire therapy.

Do you treat children with sleep problems?

Yes. Our pediatric sleep care addresses snoring, pediatric sleep apnea, bedtime resistance, night terrors, sleepwalking, and excessive daytime sleepiness in children.

Can insomnia be treated without sleeping pills?

Yes. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), consistent sleep scheduling, and changes to sleep habits are first-line treatments for chronic insomnia. Medication may be considered in some cases as part of a broader plan.

Why am I tired all the time even after a full night’s sleep?

Persistent fatigue can be caused by sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, circadian rhythm problems, or poor sleep quality. Our page on excessive daytime sleepiness explains how we evaluate it.

Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?

Yes. Spanish-speaking team members are available by phone or text at (844) 387-5337, and several patient forms are available in Spanish.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call (844) 387-5337 or use our online appointment request form. Our team will help you choose the Santa Cruz, Freedom, Sunnyvale, or Monterey office that is most convenient for you.