At Your Appointment

Insomnia Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.

Has a doctor diagnosed you or your loved one with insomnia?
1. Yes, diagnosed
2. No, undiagnosed
What is the reason for the appointment?
1. Evaluation for a possible diagnosis of insomnia
2. New or worsening symptoms
3. Medication issues or side effects
4. Second opinion
5. Other

Top Questions Your Doctor May Ask You About Insomnia Knowing the types of questions you can expect your doctor to ask at your appointment can help you provide the information he or she needs to give you the best care.

Can we review your sleep diary? Have you seen improvements in sleep onset, total sleep time, number of awakenings, and daytime symptoms?
How would you rate the quality of your sleep? Good, fair or poor?
What changes have you made to your bedtime routine?
What changes have you made to your lifestyle?
Have you changed medications recently for any other health conditions?
When did you first notice problems with sleep? How often do you have problems?
How long does it take you to fall asleep? Do you stay asleep or awaken during the night?
Describe how you feel during the day. Do you wake up refreshed or feel tired? Do you have trouble staying awake, or nap during the day?
Describe your bedtime routine. Do you have a regular bedtime, how long do you sleep, and how do you wind down at night?
Describe your lifestyle. Do you smoke, drink alcohol, use caffeine, exercise, or have recent stressful events? What do you eat or drink at night and how late?
What do you do when you can't sleep? Do you use over-the-counter sleep aids?
How effective do you feel your sleep medicine is? What, if any side effects are you experiencing?
What tests and treatments have you had so far?
What new symptoms are you experiencing that you think may be related to insomnia?
Do you have a family history of sleep problems, anxiety, depression, or another mental disorder?

Top Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Insomnia Many people forget to ask important questions at their doctor's appointments. You may want to print or write these questions down before your appointment so you remember to get the answers you need.