An insomnia test is one used to determine whether an individual suffers from a problem falling or staying asleep. As one of the most common sleep disorders, insomnia affects over 40 million people across the globe, often leading to symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and obesity. Used by sufferers and physicians alike, insomnia tests are one of the most common tools used to identify insomniacs and, in turn, determine an appropriate treatment for the disorder.
Although most people think a person must be unable to sleep if he or she is diagnosed with insomnia, the term is actually defined as the inability to obtain adequate sleep. As a result, individuals who wake up during the night and find themselves unable to go back to sleep may also have insomnia. Likewise, individuals who wake up extremely early, as well as those who sleep all night, yet wake up feeling exhausted, may also be classified as insomniacs.
Insomnia sufferers often experience symptoms like depression, mood swings, fatigue, memory problems, and poor concentration. As a result, many people may first complete a self-administered insomnia test to determine whether they should seek help from a physician. In such cases, the person usually answers a series of questions regarding his or her sleeping habits. Depending on the outcome of this self-assessment, the individual may then find it useful to discuss his or her results with a professional.
In addition to a self-administered one, a series of diagnostic insomnia tests may also be used to identify the disorder. If a physician suspects a patient may suffer from insomnia, he or she may recommend a polysomnograph, or sleep study. During this, the individual generally stays overnight in a hospital or sleep lab, and a series of tests will be administered while he or she is asleep.
Nap studies are another type of insomnia test that may be administered to individuals suffering from excessive sleepiness. In one, the sufferer’s napping habits are carefully analyzed to identify root causes of his or her fatigue. Suspected insomniacs may also be asked to document their sleeping habits in a journal, or wear a small device to monitor and record sleeping habits over a specific period of time.
While insomnia is not a disease, the condition is often a sign of other health problems, such as depression, high blood pressure, or obesity. Even if there are no additional medical problems present, insomnia can greatly affect a person’s health. As a result, individuals experiencing symptoms of insomnia should contact their physician to determine whether an insomnia test is needed, as once the condition is identified, most symptoms can be alleviated through treatment.
