More Questions About Sleep

How long do you stay in bed after you wake up each morning?

Researchers say that staying in bed after waking up makes people feel less satisfied with sleep.

When and how long do you nap during the day?

Too much napping leads to worse nighttime sleep. Your doctor may suggest a regimen that includes limiting the amount of time spent napping during the day.

Do you have any physical symptoms that interfere with your ability to fall asleep?

Your parent's doctor could treat the underlying symptoms -- for example, arthritis pain. This information could also help your parent's doctor decide whether it's necessary to order tests to see if a chronic condition is worsening or a new condition is developing.

Do you notice any sensations in your legs before you go to sleep?

These could signal restless leg syndrome, a movement disorder that interrupts sleep by causing tingling or the feeling of pins and needles in the legs. It's associated with iron deficiency and some nerve problems, among other conditions, and is common in older people.

What medications and over-the-counter medications are you taking?

Certain medications, alone or in combination, can cause insomnia in the elderly. Some drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, for example, can cause insomnia, along with beta-blockers, medication to treat abnormal heart rhythms, and many other medications.

Do you typically nod off during the day when you don't want to?

Fatigue during the day could be a sign of a mood disorder or an adverse drug reaction.

Do you wake up with a headache in the morning?

A morning headache could indicate sleep apnea.