expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Gary H. Miller, M.D.

Pulmonologist

Dr. Gary H. Miller M.D. is a top Sleep Medicine Specialist in Washington, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Gary H. Miller M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Gary H. Miller M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Gary H. Miller M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Washington, DC, Dr. Gary H. Miller M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
47 years Experience
Dr. Gary H. Miller, M.D.
  • Washington, DC
  • New York Univ Sch of Med, New York Ny
  • Accepting new patients

How do you diagnose a sleeping disorder?

He needs a sleep study called a polysomnogram that measures breathing and brain waves and oxygen and pulse or EKG and breathing muscles and possibly carbon dioxide.With that information READ MORE
He needs a sleep study called a polysomnogram that measures breathing and brain waves and oxygen and pulse or EKG and breathing muscles and possibly carbon dioxide.With that information an exact diagnosis can be made. A home system with somewhat simpler monitoring may also be appropriate. Talk to your pediatrician about a referral to a sleep doctor who can do this study.

Does acupuncture for insomnia hurt?

Acupuncture is not recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a treatment for insomnia. The best non-drug intervention known to work, is called cognitive behavioral READ MORE
Acupuncture is not recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a treatment for insomnia. The best non-drug intervention known to work, is called cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and I would encourage you to pursue that instead. This is generally done by a specially trained and certified clinical psychologist.

How long does it take for CBT for insomnia to work?

CBT generally lasts about 6 weeks. Usually there are some followup sessions as needed. It is quite effective; trying it is a good choice.

Can bad sleep cause learning disorders?

Sleep deprivation and disrupted sleep can definitely worsen attention, memory, and judgment, all of which are critical for learning. Unrecognized sleep apnea can masquerade in READ MORE
Sleep deprivation and disrupted sleep can definitely worsen attention, memory, and judgment, all of which are critical for learning. Unrecognized sleep apnea can masquerade in children as attention deficit disorder. It is important to have this problem considered by a physician well-versed in pediatric sleep problems.

How should I sleep to improve my posture?

People move throughout the night and unless you were restrained you will not have control over sleeping positions. It is of course desirable to sleep in a bed on a good mattress.Beyond READ MORE
People move throughout the night and unless you were restrained you will not have control over sleeping positions. It is of course desirable to sleep in a bed on a good mattress.Beyond that your answer lies elsewhere.

Why would a child be inattentive?

There are many many causes for this. It is really important to have your pediatrician start an evaluation

Would a sleep study help diagnose my child?

In this setting, a sleep study primarily will look for sleep apnea. Awakenings have many causes, but stress and depression and poor sleep habits are among the most common. It would READ MORE
In this setting, a sleep study primarily will look for sleep apnea. Awakenings have many causes, but stress and depression and poor sleep habits are among the most common. It would be worth consulting with a pediatric sleep specialist.

How should I sleep with sleep apnea?

You need to treat your apnea. That might mean wearing your CPAP, or using a dental orthotic, or using a device to avoid sleeping on your back. Apnea is often worse when lying flat READ MORE
You need to treat your apnea. That might mean wearing your CPAP, or using a dental orthotic, or using a device to avoid sleeping on your back. Apnea is often worse when lying flat in the supine position. Each patient, however, is different. Talk to your doctor about getting treated.

Is it normal for a child to have lucid dreaming?

It's likely normal. An estimated 55 percent of people have had one or more lucid dreams in their lifetime.

Are overweight children more likely to have sleep disorders?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Weight plays a great role in causing sleep apnea. That's true for children as well as adults. Size of tonsils and shape of throat also contribute. READ MORE
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Weight plays a great role in causing sleep apnea. That's true for children as well as adults. Size of tonsils and shape of throat also contribute. The good news is that relatively modest weight loss can sometimes be quite helpful.

Can excessive social media use affect children's sleep?

It can definitely affect sleep. First, exposure to light from the computer or phone screen tends to delay sleep. Secondly, getting engaged in social media can cause strong emotion, READ MORE
It can definitely affect sleep. First, exposure to light from the computer or phone screen tends to delay sleep. Secondly, getting engaged in social media can cause strong emotion, which can also disrupt sleep. It is best to turn the phone and the computer off in the evening in advance of scheduled sleep times. I expect that may cause some complaining from your son/daughter.

Does stress cause a child to sleepwalk?

Sleep walking can be a normal part of behavior in children. It generally goes away as children age into adults. Stress can definitely provoke sleepwalking. It is not common for READ MORE
Sleep walking can be a normal part of behavior in children. It generally goes away as children age into adults. Stress can definitely provoke sleepwalking. It is not common for people to injure themselves, but provision of a safe environment without fall risks or dangerous objects is appropriate.

What sleep studies can be performed for children?

Evaluation of sleep problems should start with a consultation to obtain history and physical. It is impossible without some knowledge of the complaint to provide additional information. READ MORE
Evaluation of sleep problems should start with a consultation to obtain history and physical. It is impossible without some knowledge of the complaint to provide additional information. A sleep specialist can be found either by asking your pediatrician or by going to the American Sleep Association website

How do I stop my child's night terrors without going to the doctors?

Night terrors are usually a normal part of growing up for some children. They should be reassured that this is nothing unusual or associated with "something wrong" . There are READ MORE
Night terrors are usually a normal part of growing up for some children. They should be reassured that this is nothing unusual or associated with "something wrong" . There are prescription medicines that can be given but I'm not aware of any over-the-counter remedies that have been shown to work well and be safe

Why doesn't melatonin work for my son?

Melatonin is a regulator of circadian rhythm. It effectively tells people that it is nighttime. It isn't a sedative and for people who do not have problems with schedules, such READ MORE
Melatonin is a regulator of circadian rhythm. It effectively tells people that it is nighttime. It isn't a sedative and for people who do not have problems with schedules, such as jet lag, it isn't terribly helpful. There are many many behavioral components that contribute to insomnia and it would be worth reviewing these with your son and a sleep specialist

What sleep studies are available for children?

Basically the studies available to children are the same as those available to adults including full polysomnogram, polysomnogram with seizure monitoring, assessments of daytime READ MORE
Basically the studies available to children are the same as those available to adults including full polysomnogram, polysomnogram with seizure monitoring, assessments of daytime sleepiness and home screenings. Looking for sleep apnea in children however cannot be done with home screening and requires an in lab formal polysomnogram.

What helps a child sleep better with snoring issues?

The beginning approach would be to treat any nasal congestion, perhaps with nasal saline or topical nasal steroid if appropriate. Strictly maintaining ideal weight and not weighing READ MORE
The beginning approach would be to treat any nasal congestion, perhaps with nasal saline or topical nasal steroid if appropriate. Strictly maintaining ideal weight and not weighing more than optimal is important. Beyond that requires medical attention as tonsils often play a big role in pediatric snoring. If this persists, the problem should be discussed with your pediatrician.

What causes my daughter to have sleep paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is actually a mildly defective awakening from REM (dream) sleep. The body is normally paralyzed while dreaming so that you do not literally run when you dream that READ MORE
Sleep paralysis is actually a mildly defective awakening from REM (dream) sleep. The body is normally paralyzed while dreaming so that you do not literally run when you dream that you run, or jump when you dream that you are doing that. Sometimes consciousness happens before motor tone is restored. The problem usually ages away as children get older.

Can depression make you have insomnia?

Depression is among the most common causes of insomnia. It can cause difficulty falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep. It can cause early awakenings it would be worth consulting READ MORE
Depression is among the most common causes of insomnia. It can cause difficulty falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep. It can cause early awakenings it would be worth consulting with your pediatrician on how to proceed.

Can stress and anxiety cause sleep problems?

These are among the most common causes of sleep problems. There are reasonable behavioral interventions to help you with sleep. You might consider looking at websites doing online READ MORE
These are among the most common causes of sleep problems. There are reasonable behavioral interventions to help you with sleep. You might consider looking at websites doing online CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) for insomnia. Examples of reliable sites are Sleepio and CBTforinsomnia. As with anything on the web be sure you are pursuing a legitimate resource.