Assessment
Clinical history
Insomnia diagnosis and therapy begins with taking a fully comprehensive clinical history. The clinical history should include symptoms, duration and frequency of those symptoms, possible triggers, thoughts, and behaviours associated with sleep and how these interfere with sleep. Family history is equally important for assessment of sleep disorders. In addition, the therapist will ask about other medical and psychiatric disorders, medication and substances used in the past to help with sleep.
A sleep-diary is an essential tool used for assessing sleeping routines, daily patterns, and progress in treatment. We recommend a two-week sleep diary as a starting point with data like bedtime, rise time, time awake during the night, medication, and caffeine use.
During the assessment, it is important to rule out other sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) or Restless Legs Syndrome and offer correct guidance if there are any signs or symptoms that suggest their presence. We can test you for OSA from the comfort of your home – for more information please visit homesleeptest.co.uk
Do you recognise any of the following indicators 3 or more times a week for more than 3 months?
-
Difficulty falling asleep
-
Waking up too early
-
Difficulty staying asleep
-
Difficulty waking up
-
Non-refreshing waking up
-
Tired all the time
-
Falling asleep during the day
Struggling with the following:
-
Energy/ fatigue
-
Concentration/ functioning
-
Mood
-
Daytime Sleepiness