Using a Sleep Diary Can Help the Provider to Distinguish Sleep Issues

Using a sleep diary can help the provider to distinguish sleep issues

One of the most underutilized tools in understanding a patient’s sleep issues is the sleep diary also known as a sleep log. It is best completed before the patient is seen for a sleep issue, and it is a great tool to start a dialogue about sleep. It can also be used after treatment to monitor progress. You can objectively assess whether a sleep aid has been helpful and where you might need to educate further on sleep hygiene.

Providers who use sleep diaries often design their own, however, there are several available online that can serve as examples. Consider the length of a sleep diary, as patients will give up easily if it is too complicated.

Patients will often see patterns themselves before their visit. As a provider, pointing out inconsistencies can help the patient make important changes. It also provides information that you can use to make an accurate diagnosis.

Usually, a one to two week diary is sufficient. You can download a copy of this simple sleep diary for your patients: Sample Sleep Diary

Another resource is the National Sleep Foundation's sleep diary. It is available at It is colorful and very well organized.

As a provider, look to see if the patient is keeping a regular sleep schedule. This is one of the first places to start when educating the patient. Most patients do not keep a regular schedule. How late are they eating or drinking caffeine? If they didn't have a good night's sleep, check how they rated their mood. Where they more anxious on that day? Are they watching television, or on the computer, near their bedtime?

Keeping a sleep diary also puts the responsibility back on the patient to be responsible for their own well-being. Some patients have no idea of what they are doing that might interrupt their sleep until they see it on paper. It is a visual reminder and a record that can be used to change behavior. Have patients do a diary before their first visit and then several months down the road to see if they have continued to follow good sleep hygiene.

Do a diary yourself! You may find your habits could be improved upon as well!

Sharon M. O'Brien, MPAS, PA-C,works at Presbyterian Sleep Health in Charlotte, N.C. Her main interest is helping patients understand the importance of sleep hygiene and the impact of sleep on health.