Questions to Ask the Doctor

A doctor may be able to answer questions about sleep-related issues. The following questions may help in identifying ways to improve sleep:

• How can I make my environment more conducive to sleep?
  
  
• Do any of my medications or herbal preparations cause insomnia?
  
  
• How does caffeine influence my ability to fall asleep?
  
  
• How can I minimize the effect of changing shift work on my ability to sleep?
  
  
• How can I minimize the effect of jet lag when I travel? 
  
  
• What techniques can I use on my own to improve my ability to fall asleep and stay asleep?
  
  
• How can I minimize my reaction to daytime stresses so I can fall asleep?
  
  
• How does my family history influence my likelihood of having a sleep disorder?
  
  
• What can I do to help my teenager not only fall asleep but also wake up in time for school?