Sleep Problems, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you are unable to sleep or you wake up at night because of:

Frequent thoughts of death or suicide: Go to the topic: Suicidal Thoughts or Threats.
Difficulty breathing: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older.
Chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.
Abdominal pain: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.

Yes: Do you think your sleep problem may be caused by a change in your mental health, such as depression, anxiety, or stress?
Yes: Do you think your sleep problem may be caused by a medicine or other drug use?
Yes: Do you, your partner, or your child have signs of sleep apnea?
Yes: Do you fall asleep at inappropriate times?
Yes: Do you regularly use sleeping pills or alcohol to help you get to sleep?
Yes: Has your sleep problem continued after home treatment?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Last updated:	January 12, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

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