What will I be asked during my detailed sleep history?
Your sleep specialist will also ask you many questions about your health and your symptoms. Your sleep partner will also be asked about symptoms he or she observes. You may not be aware of many events that happen in your sleep. It is often a family member who provides the information about a person's sleep habits.
Questions your sleep specialist may include:
- How long has your sleep disturbance lasted?
- When does your sleep disturbance occur (at bedtime, during the night, or early morning)?
- What factors have caused or contributed to the sleep disturbance (stressful events, relations with others, problems with money, etc.)?
- Do you use drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco products?
- What medicines do you take, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal remedies?
- What is your sleep routine?
- What is your evening routine (responsibilities at home, chores, childcare, exercise, eating times)?
- What is your work schedule, including shift work or a "second" job?
- What is your medical history (include any evaluation and treatment of a sleep disorder)?
- What is your family history?
- Describe your bedroom.
- Describe how you perform at work and/or school.
