Sleep Medicine in Russian Federation

Sleep medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of sleep disorders. A physician who specializes in sleep medicine is called a sleep medicine specialist and they have trained in internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, or neurology during residency. They are qualified to assist patients who suffer from conditions or disorders that affect sleep. They deal with a wide range of diseases and conditions, including:

• Insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep throughout the night.
• Parasomnia, such as sleepwalking.
• Sleep apnea and snoring, which is a condition when a person experiences abnormal patterns of breathing when they are asleep.
• Restless legs syndrome, which is an uncontrollable urge to move your legs that keep you awake.
• Narcolepsy, which is a condition that causes people to suddenly fall asleep during the day.
• Teeth grinding or sleep bruxism.
• Nightmares.
• Circadian rhythm disorder, which is a problem with the circadian rhythm or the “internal body clock” that keeps the body’s biological processes in step.
• Hypersomnia, which is excessive sleepiness at inappropriate times. 
• Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, which is a condition where a patient physically acts out vivid dreams with sudden arm and leg movements, as well as with vocal sounds.

In order to diagnose and treat these sleep-related disorders, sleep medicine specialists can perform a wide variety of procedures. Some of the most common include, but are not limited to:

• Actigraphy
• Polysomnography (sleep study)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Sleep apnea tests
• Non-invasive ventilation
• Hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy evaluation
• Overnight oximetry test
• Oral appliance therapy
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Sleep medicine specialists can also prescribe medications and refer patients to other specialists as required, such as to a physical therapist to help open the airway so patients can breathe better.

How Long Should I Stay in Russian Federation?

The length of stay depends on the specific procedure you underwent. It is advisable to stay in Russian Federation for at least 5 to 7 days. However, for some types of treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, you may need to stay longer as the treatment usually requires more than one session.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Since the treatment plan can be different from one person to another, recovery time varies widely. In most cases, the procedure itself does not require any recovery time. You should be able to resume your normal activity almost immediately, as long as you do not experience symptoms that prevent you from performing your day to day activity. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you a set of instructions on how to care for yourself at home. Follow all instructions from your doctor as it will speed up your recovery and avoid complications. In most cases, your doctor may tell you to change your lifestyle, such as improve your diet and establish a regular sleep schedule.

What's the Success Rate?

Sleep medicine is always evolving. With continuous research, specialists now have a better and broader understanding of sleep and its disorders. Innovative technology and new approaches are being implemented on many levels, enabling sleep medicine specialists to diagnose and treat difficult sleep disorders more efficiently. This has increased the success rate of sleep medicine procedures.

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to sleep medicine, but your doctor may refer you to a relevant specialist if your condition is found to be caused by something else unrelated to the field. In certain cases, you may undergo acupuncture, meditation, or hypnotherapy as the alternative, but make sure to consult with your doctor first.

Sleep Medicine in and around Russian Federation

The Russian Federation, or Russia, is a transcontinental country that stretches over a vast expanse of Eastern Europe and northern Asia. Once a mighty tsarist empire and a communist superpower, this massive country is enigmatic, intimidating, and fascinating all at the same time. It has everything, from the idyllic countryside and historic cities to scenic beauty and artistic riches. Today, Russia is a famous medical tourism destination. The number of medical tourists seeking high-quality healthcare continues to double each year. These medical tourists mainly come from Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, India, Japan, and Vietnam. They come to receive a wide range of medical care, with IVF treatment, dental services, cosmetic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery being the most sought-after.

Popular Parts of the Russian Federation

Most visitors are drawn to the western part of the country, particularly to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moscow, the capital of Russia, is popular for its show-stopping architecture, rich history, amazing culture, and great food. Some of the most famous landmarks are the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square and the Lenin Mausoleum, the Moscow Kremlin, The Tretiakov Gallery, and the Wooden Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. St. Petersburg, Russia’s second city and imperial capital, is one of the most gracious cities in Europe. People come to this city to visit the State Hermitage Museum, the Grand Palace, and Catherine Park.

Weather and Climate in the Russian Federation

There are four seasons in Russia. December to February are the winter months, which is cold and snowy, with short days and long nights. The average temperature during this season is around -10°C to 3°C. Spring comes in March, bringing warmer, but rainy weather. Summer, from June to August, is hot and humid, with an average temperature of around 12°C to 26°C. The weather can be quite unpredictable in the summer, and downpours can come unexpectedly. Autumn is from September to October and is warm and pleasant.

Getting around in the Russian Federation

The largest airport in Russia that receive the most international flights is Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport in Moscow. It serves both domestic and international flights to many cities around the globe. Since Russia is the world’s largest territory, internal flights are the fastest and most convenient way to get around. Trains have an extensive network, and, with many comfortable overnight services, is considered as the best way to get around. Buses are a great option to travel to the areas not covered by the train. Some really remote destinations may only be reached by private cars or taxis. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Tourist Visas in the Russian Federation

Nationals of 62 nations, including Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, North Macedonia, and Hong Kong, can visit and stay in Russia without a visa for a period of 14 to 90 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need a visa to enter. Electronic visas are available for citizens of several countries, including all EU countries, China, and India.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Russian uses the Russian ruble (RUB) as its official currency. 1 USD is equivalent to 77.16 RUB. 
2. Money & Payments: The easiest way to get rubles is by using ATMs, which is available throughout the country. Major credit and debit cards, including MasterCard and Visa, are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is more reliable. Some places may offer to accept euros and dollars, but this is illegal. Tipping is expected, around 10% to 15% of the bill. Always tip in cash and give it directly to the waiter.
3. Local Language: There are over 100 minority languages spoken in Russia, but the official and most widely spoken language is Russian. English is spoken to some degree, especially in major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of Russia’s population adheres to Christianity, with the Russian Orthodox Church being the biggest Christian denomination. There are also small groups of Muslims, Buddhists, and Jewish.
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Orthodox Christmas Day, Defender of the Fatherland Day, Victory Day, Russia Day, and Unity Day are some of the most important public holidays in Russia.