Understanding your sleeping patterns - Sleep Diary

Depending on your personal awareness of your sleeping patterns and reason to investigate it more, it might be helpful to
start keeping records of your sleep for a week.

It's easy. Just answer a few set questions in the morning and before bed for 7 consecutive days and nights. Lets call it "Sleep Diary". This might give you an opportunity to get a picture of your sleep patterns over the week span.

Answer the first 6 questions each Morning
1. What time did you first go to bed last night?
2. About how long did it take you to fall asleep?
3. About how many times, if any, did you awaken during the night?
4. Overall, about how many hours did you sleep?
5. At what time did you wake up (for the last time) this morning?
6. In general, how did you feel when you woke up?*

Answer these last 4 questions each Night
7. How much time, if any, did you spend napping during the day?
8. Did you consume any of these substances during the day?*
9. When did you exercise during the day?*
10. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate your overall functioning during the day?*

* Key to questions:

6. __Very refreshed __Somewhat refreshed __Fatigued
8. __Caffeine (within 6 hours of bedtime)
9. __Morning __ Afternoon __ Evening __ Did Not Exercise __Alcohol (within 1 hour of bedtime)
10. __5 Energetic ___4 ___3 ___2 ___1 Lethargic

This 7-day Sleep Diary will give you a clear "snapshot" of your sleep pattern.
Looking at your Diary, you may see patterns that will give you insight into your sleep habits. The Diary may also help you specially and perhaps your doctor to determine the best changes for your better night rest. The more information you have about your sleeping patterns and habits, the easier it will be to "diagnose" and treat your problem.