How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Insomnia

Audience: adult

Insomnia is a common sleep problem that can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restful sleep. Preparing well for your video visit about insomnia can help you and your healthcare provider understand your sleep issues better. During the visit, you will discuss your sleep habits, daily routines, and any factors that may affect your sleep. You may also talk about your medical history and any medications you take. This preparation helps the provider offer advice or suggest treatments that fit your needs. Remember, telemedicine visits are a helpful way to start addressing insomnia but may not replace in-person care if your symptoms are severe or complicated.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Falling asleep unintentionally during activities like driving — seek urgent medical care.
• Experiencing hallucinations or confusion when falling asleep or waking — contact a healthcare provider immediately.
• Loud snoring with choking or gasping sounds during sleep — arrange for in-person assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing sleep habits and routines
• Providing general advice on sleep hygiene
• Reviewing medications that may affect sleep
• Suggesting relaxation and behavioral techniques
• Determining if further evaluation is needed

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing complex sleep disorders like sleep apnea or narcolepsy
• Performing physical exams or sleep studies
• Managing emergencies related to sleep problems
• Prescribing controlled substances without in-person assessment

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia means having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not feeling rested. It can happen sometimes or last a long time. Many things can cause insomnia, such as stress, health problems, medications, or poor sleep habits. Understanding your sleep patterns is important for managing insomnia.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider about your sleep problems without leaving home. They can ask questions about your sleep, daily activities, and health. They may suggest ways to improve your sleep, like changing habits or trying relaxation techniques. Telemedicine is convenient and private, making it easier to get advice quickly.

What to Prepare Before Your Video Visit

To get the most from your visit, keep a sleep diary for about one to two weeks before your appointment. Write down when you go to bed, when you wake up, how many times you wake during the night, and how you feel during the day. Also, list any medicines or supplements you take. Find a quiet, private place with good internet connection for your video call. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes.

Questions Your Provider May Ask

Your provider might ask about:

Being honest and detailed helps your provider understand your situation.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you have severe symptoms like:

You should seek in-person evaluation promptly, as these may indicate other sleep disorders or serious health issues.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Keep a sleep diary for 1–2 weeks before your visit, noting sleep times and quality.
• List all medications, supplements, and substances you use.
• Find a quiet, private space with good internet for your video call.
• Test your device's camera and microphone before the appointment.
• Prepare to discuss your daily routine, stress levels, and sleep environment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any sleep hygiene advice or behavioral recommendations provided.
• Try suggested relaxation or stress management techniques.
• Monitor your sleep patterns and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.

FAQs

What should I include in my sleep diary?

Record the time you go to bed, how long it takes to fall asleep, number and duration of awakenings during the night, time you wake up in the morning, and how rested you feel during the day.

Can telemedicine visits diagnose insomnia?

Telemedicine visits can help assess your sleep problems and suggest initial management. However, diagnosing certain sleep disorders may require in-person exams or sleep studies.

What if I don't have a good internet connection?

If video is not possible, some providers offer phone visits. Let your healthcare provider know about any technical difficulties before your appointment.

Are medications always needed to treat insomnia?

Not always. Many people benefit from improving sleep habits and relaxation techniques. Medications may be considered but usually after evaluating risks and benefits.

When should I see a sleep specialist?

If your sleep problems persist despite initial treatment, or if you have symptoms like loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, or unusual behaviors during sleep, a specialist evaluation may be needed.

Sources

1. Insomnia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Insomnia: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sleep and Sleep Disorders — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Insomnia: Assessment and Management — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.