Symptoms that may warrant testing

Tell your doctor about any of these symptoms:

• A partner or family member has heard you stop breathing, choke, or snort awake
• Loud, frequent snoring
• A dry mouth or a dull headache most mornings
• Difficulty staying awake during the day, especially while driving or talking
• Blood pressure that stays high despite treatment, especially next to the signs above
• Kicking, thrashing, or acting out dreams hard enough to bruise or wake someone

These symptoms need clinical assessment. They do not establish a diagnosis by themselves. If your doctor has recommended a sleep study, discuss any questions with them before changing the appointment.

Symptoms that may suggest insomnia

Insomnia can involve:

• Difficulty falling asleep or returning to sleep after waking during the night or early morning
• Worry or racing thoughts at bedtime
• Feeling tired but unable to fall asleep
• Sleeping more easily away from home or when you are not trying to sleep

Insomnia is usually diagnosed from a sleep history and daytime symptoms. A sleep study is not routinely required, but may be appropriate if another disorder is suspected. Insomnia symptoms do not rule out sleep apnea.

CBT-I is a recommended treatment for chronic insomnia. Our insomnia treatment page explains what sessions involve.

When insomnia and apnea occur together

Both conditions may need treatment. We provide CBT-I for insomnia and coordinate referrals to partners who treat apnea. Your clinician can share findings with your doctor to support testing and coordinated care.

If a previous study was normal

A normal result does not mean your sleep difficulties are unimportant or that every possible cause has been excluded. A negative home test, in particular, does not always rule out sleep apnea.

Review persistent symptoms with the ordering clinician and bring the report to your evaluation with us. We can discuss whether CBT-I may help with coexisting insomnia.