Preparing for an appointment

If you or your partner suspects that you have sleep apnea, contact your primary care doctor. In some cases, you might be referred immediately to a sleep specialist.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as modify your diet or keep a sleep diary.

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment, and when they began
• Key personal information, including family history of a sleep disorder
• All medications, vitamins or supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you receive. Because your bed partner might be more aware of your symptoms than you are, it may help to have him or her along.

For sleep apnea, some questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What tests do I need? Do these tests require special preparation?
• Is my condition likely temporary or long lasting?
• What treatments are available?
• Which treatment do you think would be best for me?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• Have your symptoms been continuous, or do they come and go?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• How does your partner describe your symptoms?
• Do you know if you stop breathing during sleep? If so, how many times a night?
• Is there anything that has helped your symptoms?
• Does anything make your symptoms worse, such as sleep position or alcohol consumption?

What you can do in the meantime

• Try to sleep on your side.
• Avoid alcohol for four to six hours before bed.
• Don't take drugs that make you sleepy.
• If you're drowsy, avoid driving.