Getting help from your healthcare provider
You’re tired every morning because you can’t sleep each night, but you don’t know if it’s really something you should see a doctor about. How can you tell?
If you notice something that’s bothering you at bedtime, like a spouse watching TV or feeling too warm, the first step would be to see if you can improve your sleep hygiene. Click here to learn about what to do and not to do to get to sleep easier.
What to do if you still can’t sleep
If you still can’t sleep and think you have insomnia, talk to your healthcare provider. An evaluation may include:
- A physical exam
- A review of your medical history
- A review of your sleep history
- An interview of your bed partner to help evaluate your sleep
You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, which helps keep track of your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for testing.
Based on your diagnosis, here are some of the most common ways your provider can assist you:
- Acute insomnia (less than three months of sleep loss) may not require treatment. This typically occurs in the setting of a major stressor, like the death of a loved one or loss of a job.
- Chronic insomnia that is mild can be remedied with good sleep habits that you and your provider can identify.
- Sleeping pills may be prescribed for a limited time if you’re suffering from moderate to severe chronic insomnia and you have trouble functioning because of daytime fatigue. However, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia has been shown to be more effective long-term.
- Chronic insomnia treatment includes first treating any underlying health problems that are causing the insomnia and improving sleep hygiene. If insomnia continues, your healthcare provider may suggest other treatments.