Insomnia

Look beyond the bedtime

A clinician may ask about your sleep schedule, nighttime awakenings, daytime functioning, health conditions, medicines, and supplements. A sleep diary can help show patterns.

Tell the clinician about snoring, breathing interruptions, unusual nighttime behaviors, or significant daytime sleepiness. Some sleep concerns need assessment by a sleep specialist.

Source: NHLBI — Insomnia Diagnosis

CBT-I and medication discussions

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is commonly the first treatment recommended for long-term insomnia. It addresses thoughts and behaviors that can maintain sleep problems; it is more structured than a general list of sleep tips.

Medication may be appropriate in some circumstances, with discussion of benefits, risks, and duration. Over-the-counter sleep products and supplements can also have risks. Review them with your clinician rather than assuming they are harmless.

Source: NHLBI — Insomnia Treatment

Preparing for the appointment

Bring a simple record of when you go to bed, wake up, and feel sleepy during the day, plus your medication and supplement list. Note the difference between having enough time for sleep and being unable to sleep when the opportunity is there.

Questions to ask: Could another condition be affecting my sleep? Is CBT-I appropriate, and how would I access it? If medication is considered, what should I monitor and when will we reassess?