One of the first steps to getting a diagnosis for a sleep disorder, will be to analyse and monitor your sleeping patterns. This will be crucial in further investigations should it be a cause for concern as all sleep disorders will have different distinguishing features.
Depending on the problem and its seriousness, you may be referred to a specialist. In most cases your GP will be able to provide you with the appropriate medicine or advice. In some cases you may be referred to a sleep clinic where they will assess your sleeping patterns over nigh. For severe Insomnia you may be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Children will be referred to pediatricians to analyse their sleep patterns.
In order to receive the right diagnosis and treatment, it may be a good idea to begin completing a Sleep Diary which is essentially a log of your sleeping patterns. This can be taken with you to your GP appointment. By answering the following questions in your diary, it may help to provide the required information: