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About Sleep Problems
The following is a list of questions to ask your doctor About Sleep Problems  as well as tips for preparing for these conversations.

How do I know if I am getting enough sleep?

Experts say that getting the amount of sleep you need is what allows you to be refreshed in the morning and alert during the day. Most people will require 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day, but surveys indicate that Americans only get an average of 6.7 hours during the workweek. The degree of daytime sleepiness is directly related to the quality and quantity of sleep acquired at night.

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?

If your problem persists and you have tried behavioral therapy and medication, as well as altering your sleep environment, you may have a sleep disorder that requires special attention from a physician who is a specialist in sleep medicine. In some cases an overnight stay in a sleep lab can help determine the cause of your sleep problem.

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?

There are different types of sleep problems; some are temporary and some are longer lasting. People with insomnia can have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early. In addition, there is a range of sleep disorders that can disturb sleep. Specialized sleep studies can be performed by a sleep specialist if necessary.

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?

Sleep disturbances have a variety of causes, some as simple as an unfamiliar, noisy or uncomfortable sleep environment, or a stressful day. People with mobility problems, breathing issues, pain, hormonal changes or a chronic health condition often complain of sleeping difficulties. In some cases medications that treat a health condition can affect sleep patterns.

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?

Sleeping problems can be associated with many medical and psychological problems. And although most problem sleepers do not have a psychological condition, there are some cases where a history of an underlying mental illness-depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress—and the medications that treat them, can keep you from getting the sleep you need. An honest conversation with your physician can help determine if your mood is affecting your sleep patterns.

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?

One of the most important strategies for overcoming sleep problems is changing your sleep habits and making the sleep environment conducive to uninterrupted sleep. Your healthcare provider will want to know if there is any daytime or bedtime behavior that may be contributing to your poor night's sleep. Keeping a sleep diary can help determine the best strategy for your problem.

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?

Temporary sleep problems may not require treatment since it is likely that the problem will resolve on its own. However, if sleep problems persist, despite addressing behavioral and environmental issues that interfere with sleep, and you repeatedly suffer the consequences of excessive daytime sleepiness and impaired performance, sleep medications may help. Making changes in your sleep habits may take a while to work and not all non-drug strategies will work for everyone. In those cases medication may help get you on track.

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?

There are many types of sleep medications, including over-the-counter medications, prescription medications and herbal remedies. Identifying the kind of sleep problem you have will help your healthcare provider select the most appropriate choice for you. Medications induce sleep in different ways, and some agents produce more side effects than others. Your doctor will need to know if you have had problems with drug dependence in the past as some sleep medications may be habit forming.

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?

Sleep aides induce sleep by working on different areas of the brain. Many over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medications are sedating antihistamines (examples include Sleep-EZ and Simply Sleep) and these contain the some of the same ingredients found in many cold and allergy medications (examples include diphenhydramine and Benadryl) and nighttime pain preparations (examples include Tylenol PM, Excedrin PM). Although OTC medications and older benzodiazepines (examples include Prosom and Restoril) induce sleep, they often remain in your system and can continue to make you feel sleepy when you wake in the morning. Newer prescription medications include non-benzodiazepines (Ambien, Sonata). Herbal remedies include melatonin and valerian root.

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?

The best treatment strategy for your sleep problem is correcting behavioral issues that might interfere with sleep and discussing sleep problems with your doctor.

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 <