You do not have to diagnose your sleep problem before asking for help. Bring a short description of what is happening, how it affects your day, and what you have already tried. This page can help you use appointment time well.
Describe the pattern and impact
Note whether the difficulty involves falling asleep, waking, an irregular schedule, nightmares, or feeling unrefreshed. Estimate how often it happens and when it began. Include daytime sleepiness, concentration difficulties, or safety concerns. If you are too sleepy to drive safely, arrange another way to travel.
Bring useful questions
Mention snoring, gasping, pain, medications, supplements, substance use, and changing work schedules when relevant. Ask what assessment is appropriate and whether a specific sleep treatment or referral may help. Do not change prescribed medication or begin a sleep restriction plan based on this worksheet.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
My sleep concern, approximate start, and frequency are
Its effect on my day and any safety concerns are
Symptoms, schedules, medicines, or substances to discuss are
What I have tried and the questions I want answered are
Facilitator notes and adaptation
Assess urgent symptoms and daytime safety rather than waiting for routine follow up when risk is present. Consider sleep apnea, medication effects, circadian issues, mood changes, and other medical causes within scope.
Sources behind the concepts
These sources inform the concepts in this original resource. They do not validate or endorse this specific page.
About SleepCenters for Disease Control and Prevention · 2024
Sleep health, age related sleep needs, sleep habits, and seeking care for sleep problems.