Health care tips  Sleep disorders Insomnia How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?
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How Is Insomnia Diagnosed? |
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How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?
Usually, your doctor will identify insomnia based on your medical and sleep histories and a physical exam. He or she also may advise a sleep study. For example, you may have a sleep study if the cause of your insomnia is undecided.
Medical History
To find out what's causing your insomnia, your doctor may ask whether you:
• Have any new or constant health problems
• Have painful injuries or health situation, such as arthritis
• Take any medicines, either over-the-counter or instruction
• Have symptoms or a history of depression, anxiety, or psychosis
• Are coping with any very stressful life events, such as divorce or death
Your doctor also may ask questions about your work and leisure behavior. For example, he or she may ask about your work and exercise regular; your use of caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol; and your long-distance travel history. Your answers may give clues about what's causing your insomnia.
Your doctor also may ask whether you have any new or ongoing work or personal problems or other strain in your life. Also, he or she may ask whether you have other family members who have sleep problems.
Sleep History
To get a better sense of your sleep problem, your doctor will ask you information about your sleep habits. Before your visit, think about how to explain your problems, including:
- How often you have trouble sleeping and how long you've had the trouble
- When you go to bed and get up on workdays and days off
- How long it takes you to fall asleep, how often you wake up at night, and how long it takes to fall back asleep
- Whether you snore loudly and often or wake up gasping or feeling out of gasp
- How refreshed you feel when you wake up, and how exhausted you feel during the day
- How often you doze off or have trouble staying awake during continuous tasks, especially driving
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