Simply put a sleep specialists are in the medical or psychology fields (with degrees such as MD, PhD, or DO) and have specialty training in sleep medicine and sleep disorders. According to the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM), 3,249 sleep specialists were practicing in the United States. The ABSM is a recent member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Anyone who takes and passes the ABSM board has the privilege of placing the following after their name: Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, or simply D, ABSM.
ONLY the ABSM certifies sleep specialists and technicians. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) crededentials sleep center, but not all staff is certified. In fact the AASM only require that the sleep center has a board certified sleep specialist on staff NOT that they must be present or administer sleep studies.