Diagnosing Insomnia

If you have symptoms of insomnia and suspect that you may have this condition, your doctor will first ask you several questions. These questions usually focus on your medical history, any medications you are taking, and what type of work you do. To help in diagnosing insomnia, you may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two. This will help you keep track of your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day.

  

Diagnosing Insomnia With Medical History and Physical Exam

In order to help in diagnosing insomnia, your doctor will ask a number of questions (medical history) and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may ask you questions about:
 
  • Any medications you are taking
  • Medical conditions you have
  • What type of work you do
  • Your sleep history.
     
Your healthcare provider may also want to interview your bed partner about the quantity and quality of your sleep.
 

Using a Sleep Diary to Diagnose Insomnia

In order to keep track of your sleep patterns, you may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two.
 

Specialized Studies for Diagnosing Insomnia

Specialized sleep studies may be recommended as part of diagnosing insomnia, but only if there is suspicion that you may have a primary sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy.
 
If you think you have insomnia, talk to your healthcare provider.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD