How do I know if I am getting enough sleep?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• Rate the quality of your sleep over the last week
• Take note of how your sleep affects your daytime behavior
• Keep a log of how you feel when you wake each morning

When should I see a sleep specialist?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• Tell your healthcare provider if there are any unusual symptoms besides sleeplessness and daytime fatigue you are experiencing
• Ask your bed partner if he or she notices any unusual nighttime behaviors

What type of sleep problem do I have?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• Note how often you had trouble falling asleep
• Note many times you wake during the night
• Note how often you woke up too early
• Ask your bed partner if he or she notices any unusual nighttime behaviors
• Keep a log of your sleep patterns over the course of a week in a sleep diary

What might explain my sleep problem?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• Make a list of all your medical conditions and how long you have had them
• Take an inventory of all prescription, over-the-counter and supplements you are taking, their dosage and when you take them
• List any sleep disorders in your family
• List any odd nighttime behaviors you have noticed
• Ask your bed partner if he or she notices any unusual nighttime behaviors
• Take a detailed look at your sleep environment

Could a psychological condition be affecting my sleep?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• Take note of any mood disturbances you are experiencing
• Take note of your daytime performance
• Ask family members if there is a family history of mental illness
• List all psychiatric medications you are taking

Is there anything I can do to help improve my sleep?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• Write down all daytime and nighttime behaviors and experiences in a detailed sleep diary
• Make note of any alcohol, tobacco, food and stimulant usage, and when you exercise and eat
• Take note of your sleep environment and your bedtime activities
• Document the timing and length of all naps
• Note what practices have worked for you in the past

Am I a good candidate for sleep medication?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• Make a note of what sleep practices helped and didn't help
• List all sleep aides you have tried in the past and how well they worked
• List any life changes that may contribute to your sleep problems
• Document how long you have had a problem sleeping

How do sleep medications work, and how do I know which is right for me?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• List your prior experiences with sleep aides
• Note any history of substance abuse
• Take an inventory of all prescription, over-the-counter and supplements you are taking, their dosage and when you take them
• Mention if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, or if it is important for you to be alert if awakened suddenly during the night<

How will a sleep medication affect how I feel the next day?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medications
• List any side effects you have experienced with sleep aides in the past
• Make a list of all prescription, over-the-counter and supplements you are taking, their dosage and when you take them
• Take an inventory of all your health problems

What treatment strategy is right for me?

What you can do to prepare for this discussion

• Keep a log of your sleep patterns in a sleep diary over the course of a week
• Make a list of all prescription, over-the-counter and supplements you are taking, their dosage and when you take them
• Evaluate your sleep environment and look for potential problem areas
• Write down your health history for discussion with your doctor <