Talking to Your Doctor about Sleep

Talking to your doctor about sleep disorders is an extremely important step to being diagnosed and treated properly.  With millions of people each year in America being diagnosed with a sleeping disorder it is important to talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and the lifestyle you live.  Here are some tips on talking to your doctor about sleep related issues.

Many doctors usually only spend 10 minutes or less with patients, so it is extremely important if you think you are suffering a sleep disorder to communicate effectively with your doctor in order for him or her to make the right diagnosis and treat you effectively. 

One of the best tools to use is a basic log.  You can jot down the symptoms you feel and the amount of sleep that you get each night.  For instance, it is important to tell your doctor how many hours a night on average you sleep.  You can also rate the quality of sleep you get each night and record how many times you wake up during the night.   You should record any other abnormalities that you feel such as dizziness, fatigue, irritation and also long term affects such as weight gain.  Using this basic technique can help you talk to your doctor about sleep.

If you have something that you want to convey, right it down and go over it with your doctor.  Many patients sometimes forget when they are in the doctor’s office or don’t know how to explain their problem.  Being prepared can make the difference between being diagnosed properly and not receiving any attention because your doctor does not know that you are suffering specific symptoms. 
 

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