Trust your instincts: if you feel you have a sleep problem, get some help. Investigators have found that women know when they are suffering a sleep deficit. In short, your own sense of whether you are getting enough truly deep, restorative sleep is just as good as a battery of expensive tests. Formal studies should be considered if you snore loudly or repeatedly kick out with your legs while sleeping.
If you simply feel you aren't getting the right kind of sleep — one that allows you to wake up refreshed and ready to meet the demands of the day — take this helpful inventory developed by Dr. Jeanne L. Alexander, then discuss the results with your physician.
- What is your chief complaint — difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early?
- How many hours of sleep do you get each night?
- How many times do you wake up at night?
- How long are you awake each time?
- Do you feel rested in the morning? Does this feeling last all day?
- Do you have trouble staying awake during the day?
- Everyone needs a different amount of sleep. Do you feel you are getting enough sleep every night, no matter how many hours you spend in bed?
- Do you wake up hot or sweating?
- Do you wake up to urinate?
- Do you wake up to catch your breath (and your partner says you snore)?
- Does your partner's snoring wake you up?
- Do you grind your teeth (bruxism), have jaw pain (TMJ) or kick your legs while sleeping (nocturnal myoclonus)?
- Have you always had trouble sleeping?
- Did your sleep problems start when you were under stress or feeling down?
- Are you on an antidepressant medication such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Celexa or Effexor?
- Did your sleep difficulties start within a month or two of starting a new medication of any kind?
- Do you use the bed for anything other than sleeping — such as catching up on work, discussing problems with your children or partner, or watching late-night news or stimulating programs on TV?
This inventory will reveal what aspects of sleep are most troublesome. And your doctor can advise you on the best approach for you.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with a clinician to review any current symptoms and address your medical concerns.
