An insomnia test is a misnomer
There is no such thing as a definite test that can determine whether you have insomnia. Instead, doctors use a variety of diagnostic tools to gauge the severity of your problem and target the best possible course of treatment.
Sleep is much more important than most people realize. We tend to think that not getting enough sleep is merely an annoyance, but it can actually lead to far more serious problems, ranging from obesity and premature signs of aging to increased risk for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stomach problems. Never dismiss the importance of getting a good night’s sleep and what it can mean for you.
If you are having difficulty sleeping, you should talk about your problem with your doctor so it can be addressed properly.
First, he may have you keep a sleep log. Though not an insomnia test, this is a journal or diary where you record all of the relevant details about your sleep habits. This can include when you go to sleep, when you wake up, how sleepy you feel at various times during the day and any other details that could help to give your doctor a clearer picture of your sleep habits.
The next step is filling out a sleep inventory. This is a much more detailed list in the form of a questionnaire that your doctor can use to get details about your medical history, personal health, and sleep habits. This takes your sleep log to the next level, filling in any important medical information that could point to the cause of your insomnia. This information is vital in terms of developing a proper course of treatment.
As another type of insomnia test, your doctor may want to do a series of blood tests in order to rule out various conditions, such as thyroid problems, that might be affecting your sleep habits.
If your doctor can pinpoint an underlying cause, treating that issue may be all that isnecessary in order to allow you to get the proper sleep. Conversely, if there is an underlying cause and it isn’t treated, then the sleep disruption is likely to continue unabated.
A Sleep Study Is A Comprehensive Insomnia Test
Finally, your doctor may suggest that you take part in a sleep study. In this kind of test, you sleep overnight in a lab fitted out with a comfortable bed while hooked up to a series of monitors that record your brain activity, oxygen levels, body movements and heart and breathing patterns.
This type of testing is completely painless and non-invasive but it can be very important as it gives doctors a more in-depth view of your sleep patterns.
It is impossible to stress enough just how important getting the right amount of sleep is for your overall health. If you are experiencing difficulties sleeping, especially if those difficulties are lasting for more than a few weeks, you should discuss the problem with your doctor.
The sooner you look into the problem, the sooner you can get back to sleeping soundly and getting your health back on the right track.
More insomnia test information on WebMD.
