When should I see a doctor about my sleep?

See a doctor if trouble sleeping happens three or more nights a week and lasts longer than three months, which is how the NIH describes chronic insomnia. Go sooner if poor sleep is hurting your daytime mood, memory, concentration or safety, or if short-term problems from stress or schedule changes do not ease after a few weeks.

Also seek advice promptly if you or a partner notice loud snoring, gasping or choking at night, you fall asleep unintentionally during the day, or you feel drowsy while driving. These can signal conditions such as sleep apnea that need a proper check.

Your provider may ask you to keep a sleep diary and may suggest a regular sleep schedule, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and, in some cases, medicines. Chronic insomnia has been linked with higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, so it is worth taking seriously.

Before the visit, jot down your bedtime, wake time, caffeine and alcohol use, and any medications. This helps your doctor see the pattern quickly.

Source: NHLBI, NIH - Insomnia: What Is Insomnia?

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