Sleep Medicine vs. Psychiatry: Where to Go for Sleep Anxiety or Nightmares?


If you can't sleep, you're not the only one who suffers from this. Many people deal with sleep anxiety, frequent nightmares, or wake up feeling worse than when they went to bed. The hard part? Knowing who to ask for help. Should you see a sleep doctor or a psychiatrist?

Here’s how to figure it out.

What is sleep medicine?

Sleep medicine focuses on the science of sleep. Doctors in this field treat sleep problems like insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs, or unusual sleep behaviors like sleepwalking. These issues are often linked to how your brain and body function during sleep.

If you snore loudly, stop breathing at night, or wake up gasping, a sleep doctor is the right person. If you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep without any clear reason, they can also help.

Sleep medicine specialists often use tools like sleep studies or home sleep tests. They might suggest CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, or even light therapy. They treat sleep as a physical and neurological process.

What does a psychiatrist do?

Psychiatrists focus on your mental and emotional health. They treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychiatric conditions. These often affect sleep. If your sleep problems started after a stressful event or come with mood changes, a psychiatrist might be more helpful.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medication for anxiety or nightmares. They may also offer therapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to manage your thoughts and fears that interfere with sleep.

When to see a sleep doctor

Go to a sleep doctor if:

  • You wake up feeling tired even after 7–8 hours of sleep.

  • You snore, choke, or gasp during sleep.

  • You fall asleep randomly during the day.

  • You have insomnia but no signs of anxiety or depression.

  • You want a sleep test.

When to see a psychiatrist

Go to a psychiatrist if:

  • Your sleep problems are caused by racing thoughts, fear, or trauma.

  • You wake up from nightmares or panic attacks.

  • You’ve tried sleep hygiene and it didn’t help.

  • You feel sad, hopeless, or anxious most days.

  • You have trouble sleeping due to mental health struggles.

What if you need both?

Sometimes, you might need both. For example, if anxiety is keeping you awake but you also snore or stop breathing at night, you may need both a psychiatrist and a sleep doctor. That’s common, and it’s okay.

Many sleep clinics work with psychiatrists. Some psychiatrists refer patients for sleep studies. The two fields often overlap. You don’t need to figure it out alone.

Final thought

If you're struggling with sleep, don’t wait. Whether it’s nightmares or nonstop worry, both sleep medicine and psychiatry offer help. The key is to start somewhere. Talk to a sleep doctor if the issue seems physical. Talk to a psychiatrist if it's more about your mind.

Getting sleep back on track can change how you feel every day. Start with one step. You’ll find your way from 

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