Preparing for an appointment

If you're having sleep problems, you may start by talking to your primary care doctor. Take your bed partner along, if possible. Your doctor may want to talk to your partner to learn more about your sleep experiences and to help determine if other sleep disorders may exist, such as obstructive sleep apnea.

What you can do

Ask your doctor if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as keep a sleep diary. Prepare for your appointment by making a list of:

• Any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment.
• Personal information, including new or ongoing health problems, major stresses, or recent life changes.
• All medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal or other supplements that you're taking and their dosages. Let your doctor know about anything you've taken to help you sleep.
• Questions to ask your doctor to make the most of your appointment time.

Basic questions to ask your doctor may include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms?
• What's the best treatment?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Should I go to a sleep clinic? Will my insurance cover it?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have?
• What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you several questions. Be ready to answer them to spend time on areas you want to focus on. Some questions your doctor may ask include:

• Do you have evidence of eating during the night without memory of the event?
• Has this impacted your health or weight?
• During an episode, what types of things do you eat?
• Have you been injured during an episode?
• What medications are you taking?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with a sleep disorder or an eating disorder?
• Have you experienced sleepwalking in the past?
• Have you experienced restless legs symptoms in the past?
• Have you been told of any breathing issues during your sleep, such as loud snoring, choking, gasping or breathing pauses?