What an insomnia consultation involves
What the first consultation covers, what to prepare, what the sleep diary is for, and the follow-up that comes afterwards.
Key points
- The first consultation is longer than a follow-up, because taking the history and ruling out other sleep disorders takes time.
- You are given a sleep diary to keep for 1 to 2 weeks. This is standard practice, not paperwork.
- A behavioural course is measured in weeks: usually 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 10 weeks.
- No test confirms insomnia. If a test is ordered, it is to rule out another cause.
Before the consultation
- Book through the form or by Zalo message, saying whether you want to be seen in person or by video.
- Receive a confirmation with the sleep diary template and preparation instructions.
- Keep the diary for a few days if there is time. Even three days beats trying to remember.
- Photograph the list of everything you take, supplements and herbal teas included.
During the first consultation
| Part | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Reconstructing a typical night | By the clock: into bed, lights out, how long until sleep, how many awakenings, when you wake for good, when you get up |
| Daytime consequences | Fatigue, concentration, mood, work performance, whether you doze off |
| Ruling out other sleep disorders | Snoring, breathing pauses, sensations in the legs, unusual behaviour during sleep, daytime sleepiness |
| Reviewing other conditions and medication | Thyroid, pain, reflux, waking to urinate, cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric; everything currently taken |
| Assessing mood and anxiety | PHQ-9 and GAD-7 where appropriate, alongside a clinical history |
| Agreeing the direction | Explaining the options, choosing together with you, setting the follow-up |
After the consultation
You receive a summary of the plan and the diary template. The first follow-up is usually 1 to 2 weeks later, and it starts from the diary data rather than from memory. Three measures are read each time: sleep efficiency, time to fall asleep, and total time awake during the night.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the first consultation take?
- Longer than an ordinary appointment, because the history decides most of the outcome. The exact length is confirmed when you book.
- Do I need to fast or prepare anything special?
- No. The most valuable things to bring are your sleep diary and the list of everything you are taking.
References
- Behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: an AASM clinical practice guideline - American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2021 · DOI 10.5664/jcsm.8986
- Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Insomnia in Adults - American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2008 · DOI 10.5664/jcsm.27286
- The Consensus Sleep Diary: Standardizing Prospective Sleep Self-Monitoring - Sleep, 2012