How to speak to your doctor about your sleep concerns

Worried about your sleep? Getting better rest starts with completing the ResMed Online Sleep Assessment.

Once you get your results, seize a moment to congratulate yourself. You have taken  an important step toward better understanding your sleep health.

What should you do next? If you think you might be at risk for a sleep disorder , speak with your doctor about your concerns.

Asking for help and seeking a diagnosis can be a daunting process, but we are here to guide you every step of the way and get you ready to meet with your doctor. We’ll provide advice on what to bring, how to prepare, and what questions to ask during your appointment.

Understanding your Online Sleep Assessment result 

Before talking to your doctor, it helps to understand your sleep problems and symptoms better.

Consider taking our Online Sleep Assessment , which can help build a risk profile based on your current sleep behaviours. The Online Sleep Assessment offers insights into potential sleep issues, including sleep apnea, insomnia, fragmented sleep, and snoring. Identifying these concerns is important as untreated sleep disorders can impact your daily energy, focus, and overall health.¹

Use your results to guide you in explaining your sleep problems to your healthcare provider. By giving your doctor clear information about problems like interrupted sleep, they can better diagnose and treat the issue.

Preparing for your appointment

Preparing for your appointment can ensure you get the most out of the discussion with your doctor. Here are our recommended steps to take:

1. Review your results
   Take some time to go over your Online Sleep Assessment report. Highlight specific areas of concern—whether it’s snoring, frequent awakenings, or insomnia symptoms. If there are terms you don’t understand, make a note to ask your doctor. Clarifying these points will help you understand the severity and possible causes of your symptoms.
   
   
2. Gather relevant information
   • Sleep diary: Consider keeping a diary in the days leading up to your appointment. This can help track patterns such as how long it takes you to fall asleep, how often you wake up, and how you feel in the morning. Clear examples of your sleep struggles can be valuable for your doctor. Download our sleep diary resource for a helpful template.
   • Referral form for a sleep study: You might also want to download and bring a referral form for a sleep study. Some sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, require specialised testing to diagnose accurately. Download a referral form courtesy of ResMed. This form can be a valuable tool if your doctor recommends further testing.
   • Medications: Be sure to inform your doctor on any regular or over the counter medications you might be taking as these drugs can sometimes affect your sleep²For your convenience, bulk-billed sleep studies are available at select ResMed stores. If you’re eligible for a Medicare rebate, your doctor can send the form to us. Or you can send the signed referral form to referrals@resmed.com.au or call us on 1800 737 633 and we will help you get started.
     
     
     
3. Prepare questions
   • Clarify medical terms: Ask your doctor to explain any medical terms in your assessment results. For example, if the assessment results used terms like ‘sleep apnea’ or ‘fragmented sleep’, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. For instance, sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Understanding it fully can make treatment discussions clearer.
   • Ask about next steps: Bring questions about lifestyle changes, sleep hygiene, and any tools or techniques that may improve sleep quality. You could also ask if devices or tools, like a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, are needed.
     
     

During the appointment

When discussing your sleep assessment results with your doctor, open communication is key. Here are some tips for a productive conversation:

1. Be open and honest
   Share your experience openly. Mention any habits, like late-night screen use or inconsistent bedtimes that might impact your sleep. This honesty helps your doctor get a more complete picture of your lifestyle and any contributing factors.
   
   
2. Clarify your goals
   Think about what you want to achieve from treatment. Whether you want to sleep through the night or stop snoring, setting these goals can help your doctor find the best treatment for you.
   
   
3. Explore treatment options
   Discussing treatment options can reveal a range of possible approaches. Your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes, like setting a regular sleep schedule or incorporating relaxation techniques before bed. For some, a more structured plan involving devices or therapies may be recommended, particularly if sleep apnea or other significant disruptions are present. Be open to discussing all options and remember that combining several strategies often yields the best results.
   
   
4. Create follow-up  plans
   Ask your doctor about any signs or symptoms that require a follow-up visit. Sleep disorders often benefit from ongoing monitoring, and discussing a schedule can ensure you stay on track. Ask for resources or educational materials to learn about managing your condition, and check with your doctor for reliable sources on sleep health. For more sleep health insights, you can ask Dawn, our AI-powered digital assistant via our help and support centre.

If you don’t have a regular GP, telehealth companies like Doctors on Demand can connect you with an Australian-registered, sleep-trained GP who you can see you from the comfort of your home.

Taking the ResMed Online Sleep Assessment is a great first step toward improving your sleep and health. Early detection and intervention can pave the way to better sleep and improved quality of life. With preparation, you’ll feel more confident discussing your sleep concerns with your doctor and exploring solutions that work for you.

For more guidance, consider booking an appointment with a ResMed Sleep Coach.  Our Sleep Coaches * are available to offer general sleep health information and discuss your options after having a sleep test.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. You should speak to your doctor about your symptoms and whether a CPAP device is suitable for you.

*ResMed Sleep Coaches are sales and customer service representatives who have received training in sleep health. They can give general information about sleep health, sleep disorders and products that my help improve your sleep. They are not qualified health care professionals and cannot provide medical advice.