A sleep specialist may ask you many questions about your health and symptoms. Your sleep partner also will be asked about your symptoms, such as snoring or movement during the night, since you may not be aware of many events that happen in your sleep.
The questions your sleep specialist may ask include:
• How long has your insomnia lasted?
• Do you have trouble falling asleep, staying awake, or do you wake up too early in the morning?
• What factors have caused or contributed to your insomnia (stressful events, relationships with others, problems with money, etc.)?
• What have you done in the past to help with your insomnia?
• Do you use caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco products?
• What medicines do you take, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal remedies?
• What is your sleep routine?
• What is your evening routine (responsibilities at home, chores, childcare, exercise, eating times)?
• What is your work schedule, including shift work or a "second" job?
• What is your medical history (include any evaluation and treatment of a sleep disorder)?
• Describe your bedroom.
• Describe how you perform at work and/or school.
Physical exam
A sleep specialist may give you a complete physical exam. Some things that the doctor may look for include a deviated nasal septum, enlarged tonsils, or a narrow throat. These obstructions can lead to sleep apnea, which may be the cause of your insomnia.
Sleep diary
Your doctor may have you fill out a sleep diary. It may be done for one to two weeks before your office visit. In the sleep diary, you will record information about the quality and quantity of nighttime sleep and daytime naps, including:
• The time you got into bed
• The time you tried to sleep
• How long it took you to fall asleep
• The number of times you woke up during the night
• How long you were awake
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