Sleep well, live well
YOUR SLEEP DIARY
- Imtiaz Ahmad MD, MPH, FCCP
- Updated on: January 24, 2024
- Sleep, Sleep & Health, Sleep & Lifestyle, Sleep & Normal Variant, Sleep & Teens, Sleep & Travel, Sleep & Women, Sleep Tools, Uncategorized
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Table of Contents
KEY POINTS
Sleep is restorative to the body and brain.
Sleep may help improve immune function in the body.
Obtaining an adequate amount of sleep helps you function well during the day.
Good sleep habits can help promote healthy sleep/wake patterns.
Sleep Diary FAQs
What is a Sleep Diary?
A sleep diary is designed to gather information about your daily sleep pattern.
What should I do if I miss a day?
If you forget to fill in the diary or are unable to fnish it, leave the diary blank for that day.
How often and when do I fll out the sleep diary?
It is necessary for you to complete your sleep diary every day. If possible, the sleep diary should be completed within one hour of getting out of bed in the morning.
What if something unusual affects my sleep or how I feel in the daytime?
If your sleep or daytime functioning is affected by some unusual event (such as an illness, or an emergency) you may make brief notes on your diary.
What do the words “bed” and “day” mean on the diary?
This diary can be used for people who are awake or asleep at unusual times. In the sleep diary, the word “day” is the time when you choose or are required to be awake. The term “bed” means the place where you usually sleep.
Will answering these questions about my sleep keep me awake?
This is not usually a problem. You should not worry about giving exact times, and you should not watch the clock. Just give your best estimate.
Testing At Home
Tips
Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends.
Find time to relax, especially if you feel stressed.
Keep a diary during the day to record tasks to do and process thoughts about stressful events.
Try to perform quiet and relaxing activities prior to your bedtime. It may be helpful to develop a bedtime ritual.
Do not go to bed until you feel drowsy. Think of pleasant and relaxing images in bed.
Ensure that the bedroom is dark and quiet, and the temperature is comfortable for sleeping.
Wear comfortable pajamas or clothes for sleeping.
Do not drink caffeinated beverages in the evening. If you take naps, limit them to no more than 30 minutes in the early afternoon.
Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Try not to exercise right before bedtime.
Avoid drinking liquids and eating a heavy meal prior to bedtime. A light snack at bedtime may be helpful.
DIARY INSTRUCTIONS
Use the guide below to clarify what is being asked for each item of the Sleep Diary.
Date: Write the date you are flling out the diary.
| Todays Date: | 4/19 |
What time did you get into bed? Write the time that you got into bed. This may not be the time that you began “trying” to fall asleep.
| What time did you get into bed? | 10:15 pm |
What time did you try to go to sleep? Record the time that you began “trying” to fall asleep.
| What time did you try to go to sleep? | 11:30pm |
How long did it take you to fall asleep? Beginning at the time you wrote in question 2, how long did it take you to fall asleep.
| How long did it take you to fall asleep? | 55 min. |
How many times did you wake up, not counting your fnal awakening? How many times did you wake up between the time you frst fell asleep and your fnal awakening?
| How many times did you wake up, not counting your fnal awakening? | 3 times |
In total, how long did these awakenings last? What was the total time you were awake between the time you frst fell asleep and your fnal awakening. For example, if you woke 3 times for 20 minutes, 35 minutes, and 15 minutes, add them all up (20+35+15= 70 min or 1 hr and 10 min).
| In total, how long did these awakenings last? | 1 hr & 10 min |
What time was your fnal awakening? Record the last time you woke up in the morning.
| What time was your fnal awakening? | 6:45 am |
What time did you get out of bed for the day? What time did you get out of bed with no further attempt at sleeping? This may be different from your fnal awakening time (e.g. you may have woken up at 6:35 a.m. but did not get out of bed to start your day until 7:20 a.m.)
| What time did you get out of bed for the day? | 7:20 am |
How would you rate the quality of your sleep? “Sleep Quality” is your sense of whether your sleep was good or poor.
| How would you rate the quality of your sleep? |
|
Comments: If you have anything that you would like to say that is relevant to your sleep feel free to write it here.
| Comments (if applicable) | I have a cold this week |
Next Steps
Contact your doctor if you have had difficulties falling or staying asleep for over a month. You may want to seek medical attention sooner if you have problems functioning during the day, fall asleep while driving or feel sleepy when you need to be alert. Tell your doctor if you have difculty staying alert during the day and have been told that you snore or have irregular breathing when you sleep.
QUESTIONS ABOUT A SLEEP ISSUE? LET’S TALK.
Imtiaz Ahmad, MD, MPH, FCCP
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad is a highly qualified physician, Board Certified in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. He has been actively serving the community of Lee County, Florida since 2004, with a strong focus on a proactive healthcare approach. Dr. Ahmad has received advanced training from some of the most prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Cornell University, State University of New York at Brooklyn, and the University of Mississippi. SOMNAS is a medical facility that is committed to improving and maintaining the health of patients with sleep disorders. The expert team at SOMNAS is known for their compassionate and high-quality care. They offer unparalleled treatment and care to patients on the Gulf Coast of Florida, ensuring a better and healthier life for them.
Job Title: Board Certified in Pulmonary Medicine
