How has the patient been sleeping recently? (Ask the patient and bed partner.)

Suggested questions following a sleep complaint

When did the problem begin? (To determine acute vs. chronic insomnia)

Does the patient have a psychiatric or medical condition that may cause insomnia?

Is the sleep environment conducive to sleep? (Relates to noise, interruptions, temperature, light)

Does the patient report “creeping, crawling or uncomfortable, difficult-to-describe feelings” in the legs or arms that are relieved by moving them? (Relates to restless legs syndrome)

Does the bed partner report that the patient's legs or arms jerk during sleep? (Relates to periodic limb movements of sleep)

Does the patient snore loudly, gasp, choke or stop breathing during sleep? (Relates to obstructive sleep apnea)

Is the patient a shift worker? What are the work hours? (Relates to circadian sleep disorders/sleep deprivation)

What times does the patient go to bed and get up on weekdays and weekends? (Relates to poor sleep hygiene and sleep deprivation)

Does the patient use caffeine, tobacco or alcohol? Does the patient take over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as stimulating antidepressants, steroids, decongestants or beta-blockers? (Relates to substance-induced insomnia)

Signs of sleepiness

What daytime consequences, such as fatigue, sleepiness, confusion or difficulty concentrating, does the patient report?

Does the patient report dozing off or have difficulty staying awake during routine tasks, especially while driving?