Ways to Track & Better Manage Your Sleep
There are a few different things you can do to figure out how sleepy you are, and whether your sleepiness could be causing health problems. Ideas include:
- using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale,
- keeping a sleep diary, and
- making an appointment with a health care provider.
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Many health care providers use a tool called the to help patients determine how sleepy they are, and if their sleepiness can cause health problems. The scale uses a series of questions to help you determine how sleepy you are compared to other people.
Depending on your score, you might want to consider discussing your results with your doctor or other health care provider. You may also wish to schedule an appointment for an accurate diagnosis. If you have a sleep disorder, a sleep specialist can help you find an effective treatment for your sleep disorder.
Keep a Sleep Diary
Keeping a sleep diary for one week or more can help you identify any behaviors that might be causing your sleepiness, such as not allowing enough time for sleep, having an inconsistent sleep schedule, etc.
Make an Appointment With a Sleep Specialist
Be sure to share your symptoms as well as your results from the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and your sleep diary with your health care provider. Your health care provider can help diagnose and treat any underlying causes.
Remember, true excessive daytime sleepiness is almost always caused by an underlying medical condition that can be easily diagnosed and effectively treated.