Sleep Clinic

What a sleep clinic appointment is for

A sleep clinic assesses particular sleep problems. Before booking, check which conditions and age groups the service sees. A clinic investigating breathing during sleep may offer a different assessment from a service treating persistent insomnia.

Sleep coaching and a clinical sleep assessment have different purposes. Ask who will assess you, what the appointment covers and how the service works with your GP. Do not assume that a coaching package includes diagnosis or medical treatment.

Starting with your GP

The NHS advises speaking to a GP if sleep difficulties have continued for months, changes to sleeping habits have not helped, or the problem is making everyday life difficult. A GP can consider possible causes and the appropriate route. Insomnia treatment may include cognitive behavioural therapy; a sleep clinic referral may be appropriate when another sleep disorder is suspected.

Tell your GP if someone has noticed pauses in your breathing or gasping during sleep, or if you are very sleepy during the day. These details need clinical assessment rather than an assumption about the cause. Do not drive when you feel sleepy.

Preparing for the appointment

Note what concerns you most and how sleep affects your day. Bring a list of your medicines and any questions about the assessment. A clinician may ask about your sleep pattern, health and medicines, and may suggest a sleep diary. Follow the service's instructions about what to record and for how long.

If someone has observed changes in your breathing or behaviour during sleep, ask whether their description would help. Tell the clinic about communication, mobility or other access needs before the appointment.

What testing might involve

Not every sleep problem requires the same tests. If sleep apnoea is suspected, overnight monitoring may measure breathing and heart rate. This can often take place at home; some people need an overnight clinic stay.

Ask which test is being proposed, why it is useful and how the equipment is fitted and returned. Confirm what to do if a sensor comes off or the test cannot be completed. Follow the clinic's preparation instructions and ask it directly about medicines; do not change them yourself to prepare for a test.

Access, costs and results

Ask your GP or local NHS service about referral criteria. For a private appointment, request a clear breakdown of the consultation, testing and follow-up costs before booking. Confirm whether the service needs a referral.

Find out who will explain the results, how you will receive them and what happens afterwards. An assessment does not guarantee a particular diagnosis or treatment. If you do not understand a result or recommendation, ask the clinician to explain it.

Sources

• NHS: Insomnia
• NHS: Sleep apnoea
• NHS: Excessive daytime sleepiness
• NHS: Outpatients and day patients