Abstract

Seeing a physician for the first time for a sleep complaint can be a daunting process. Invariably, the physician will need to perform a detailed history and physical examination as part of a standard diagnostic evaluation. The most common reasons for which patients seek an evaluation with a sleep specialist include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia (defined as difficulty with initiating or maintaining sleep) and abnormal nocturnal behaviors or sensations. Each of these presented symptoms will be briefly addressed, with specific attention to the diagnoses that the doctor may consider and the kinds of questions you will likely to asked during the evaluation process.