Insomnia is a complaint that is common in all medical specialities. Irrespective of the concerned branch, it is part of the chief complaint of 90% of OPD patients. Let us learn how we can approach the most common symptom of patients. Whenever the patient complains of insomnia, rather than asking direct questions, let the patient himself elaborate it . For patients, irrespective of the cause, insomnia is a very troublesome thing.
Hence allowing them to speak their heart on it itself will make him feel better. Sleep being an important part of routine life makes the patient anxious about it. It's like patient feels he is having some serious issue. Next do a detailed dissection of the sleep pattern . What is the time of sleep onset , how is the quality of sleep, what is the pattern of breaking, do they remember dreams, any nightmares, do they wake up feelings breathless, do they have to go…
