Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Why spend another sleepless night? If you're having consistent trouble sleeping, the sooner you talk to your doctor the better. Prepare for your next visit by reviewing these questions to ask your doctor. You may also wish to review some of the questions your doctor may ask you.

Below are some examples of questions to ask in five sleep-related categories. Check off the questions you have for your doctor to customize your list, and then click "print your questions" below. Use the printout as a reference for discussing your symptoms during your doctor's visit.

Sleep Loss
What can I do about stress-related sleep loss?
Are there certain lifestyle factors that can cause sleep loss?
Can napping during the day cause sleep loss at night?
What medical conditions could be causing my sleep loss?
Could any of the medications I'm taking be causing my sleep loss?

Sleep Problems
How do I know if I'm not getting enough sleep?
What defines having difficulty falling asleep?
What could be causing me to wake up frequently during the night and have trouble returning to sleep?
How can I tell the difference between a few nights of un-refreshing sleep and a more serious sleep problem?

Sleep Tips
How can I change my sleep environment to help?
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my sleep?
Are there relaxation techniques that can help?
How could a sleep medication help?

Over-the-Counter Sleep Medications (available without a prescription)
How do these products work?
Are these any safer than prescription sleep medications?
Will I feel groggy when I wake afterwards?
What are some common side effects?
How long can I take OTC sleep medications?

Prescription Sleep Medications
What are the advantages of taking a prescription sleep medication instead of an over-the-counter (non-prescription) medication?
How safe is treatment with sleep medications?
Could this medicine interact with medicines I'm taking for other conditions?
What are some common side effects?
If I take a prescription sleep medication, can I become addicted?
Does the frequency I take a prescription sleep aid impact its effectiveness – or can I take it as I feel is necessary?

Next: Questions Your Doctor May Ask