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Should I mention this to the doctor

Hummer
Community Member

Hi. So I’m seeing a doctor and pyhchologist about my mental health. I haven’t really mentioned my sleeping habbits. Which consist of coming to bed about 10 at nightwaking up at at 11 in the day. But by 2-3 im exhausted and in need of a nap. Which if I do is about 3to 4 hours and then I’ll go to bed about 11 again??

4 Replies 4

Soberlicious96
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Dear Hummer,

In reply to your question of should you mention your sleeping habits to your doctor/health professional, I would say that is a definite yes. Most certainly I think you should. They need all the information they can get; the whole picture of what is going on, in order to provide the correct and most appropriate treatment.

It's a bit like having a runny nose and scratchy throat; it could be head cold or hayfever, but how is your doctor going to know which one it is, of you're not giving them the whole picture? Such as, the runny nose and scratchy throat may also be accompanied by itchy/sore red eyes, which would be more likely hayfever, than a head cold. but if you didn't tell the doctor about your itchy/sore red eyes, then he or she may end up prescribing some sort of pain and fever medication for hayfever ...... which wouldn't really help. an Antihistamine, however, would be far more likely to help hayfever.

Does that make sense? I hope so. There are a number of conditions out there which can present with similar symptoms, but as to what the cause is can require more information. And I am not a medical professional, so yes, please do consult with your health professional and give them all the information they may need. Even if it doesn't seem relevant. Better for them to have 'too much' info than not enough.

Take care. Let us know how you go. xo

Jojo100
Community Member

Hi Hummer

Welcome to BB. Yes it would be important to let your doctor and psychologist know about your sleep patterns as there could be a physical reason for needing so much sleep or it may be related to your mental health issues.

All the best

jojo

Nurse_Jenn
Community Member

Hi Hummer,

I just thought I would say welcome to the forum and great to see you reaching out to get support with your questions. Most health professionals will ask you about your sleeping patterns or habits but if they don't, it would be important to bring it with them. I concur with both Jojo and Soberlicious96 in letting your health professionals know about your sleep patterns and how they affect you will help them get the best understanding of your whole health picture.

I know from my own experience that going to Doctors can be a bit nerve racking. I encourage people to write a list of what they want to tell their Doctor before they go to their appointment so they don't forget anything. This can be helpful so that Doctor knows what is going on for you specifically and you have thought and wrote down what you want to say in the comfort of your own home (much more relaxing).

I have included a link on sleeping habits which can be found on the Beyond Blue website to offer you some information on sleep habits and tips to get the best nights sleep.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well/sleeping-well

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hi Hummer, and thanks for posting your comment.

I only agree with those above me, that your sleeping habits are very important in how you are feeling, so yes they do need to know.

My best.

Geoff.