What happens at night, and the next day?
Describe when you go to bed, how long sleep takes, night-time waking and your usual wake-up time. Shift work, naps, caffeine, alcohol, medicines and worry can all be relevant. Tell us how long the difficulty has continued and whether it affects work or safety.
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing noticed by someone else, choking during sleep and marked daytime sleepiness can suggest sleep apnoea. These symptoms deserve assessment; they cannot be confirmed or excluded by a general sleep questionnaire alone.
A consultation before deciding on tests
We review your history and consider whether the main concern is insomnia, breathing during sleep, abnormal movements or another condition. Bring any previous sleep study and ask which next step is appropriate for your symptoms.
Some problems need overnight monitoring or a sleep study. If a study is recommended, please contact the clinic to confirm availability, the examination location and preparation before booking.
Treatment follows the sleep problem
For insomnia, a plan may include changes to sleep habits and behavioural treatment, with medicine considered individually. The aim is a manageable routine and improved daytime functioning, rather than simply adding a sleeping tablet.
Keep a short sleep diary before your visit. If a partner observes snoring or unusual movements, a description can help. Do not stop prescribed sleep or other medicines without advice, and do not drive or operate machinery when dangerously sleepy.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
A little preparation helps.
- Record bedtimes, wake-up times, naps and daytime sleepiness for one to two weeks.
- Bring a medicine list and any previous sleep-study report.
- Note witnessed breathing pauses, snoring and unusual behaviours during sleep.
Related clinic guides
Further reading
General information for patients; your assessment and treatment depend on your individual circumstances.