If you are not sure who to visit ask for a referral from friends or family members. You can also contact a sleep clinic in your area for more information about sleep disorders.
Create A List Of Symptoms
When you visit your doctor for the first time, they will want to know what your symptoms are. Create a written list of symptoms so you do not forget to mention them to your healthcare provider during your visit. Here are some good questions to write down.- How often do you experience insomnia?
- How long have your symptoms lasted?
- Do you currently take any medications that may affect your sleep?
- What are your current medications and doses?
- What insomnia remedies have you tried?
Visit Your Doctor For A Diagnosis Of Insomnia Or Related Sleep Disorder
Once you create your list, then you are ready to visit your doctor. Your doctor will take a comprehensive medical history. He or she will rule out any related sleep disorders and decide whether you have insomnia or an underlying physical or psychological condition.Most healthcare providers follow stringent criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association and National Institutes of Health. To diagnose common or primary insomnia, your healthcare provider will look for specific symptoms. The symptoms below represent symptoms that qualify for a diagnosis of insomnia.
- A patient has difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- The patient experiences these symptoms for at least one month, and usually three or more times each week.
- The patient does not have another sleep disorder, like sleep apnea.
- The sleep problems encountered by the patient do not result from other psychological conditions, including depression or anxiety.
- The lack of sleep is not linked with alcohol use or other substance abuse.
What To Do After You Receive A Diagnosis Of Insomnia
After you visit your healthcare provider you will receive a diagnosis of insomnia or another related sleep disorder. Your doctor may find you have other underlying conditions causing you to sleep poorly. Examples include depression & anxiety, menopause and stress. Your doctor may also refer you to a sleep disorders clinic for further evaluation and testing. This is in your best interests, as a proper diagnosis is the key to a healthy recovery.Pregnancy insomnia and stress insomnia are common reasons for feeling fatigued during the day. After your doctor confirms you have insomnia or a related sleep disorder, you can talk about insomnia treatments and insomnia medications to help restore your natural sleep rhythms.
Before you realize it, you will wake feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!