Sleep is something we all need, yet many of us don’t get enough of it. If you’ve been struggling with poor sleep, frequent wakeups, or constant fatigue, it may be time to talk with your doctor. At Haskell Memorial Hospital’s Sleep Study Center, we want to empower you to start the conversation — because better sleep can mean better health.

Why Talking About Sleep Matters

Sleep problems aren’t just an inconvenience. They can affect your mood, energy, heart health, and even increase your risk for chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Many people assume poor sleep is just part of life, but it could be a sign of an underlying disorder that can be treated.

Be Honest About Your Symptoms

When you visit your doctor, share as much detail as possible:

• How often do you wake up during the night?
• Do you snore, gasp, or stop breathing while you sleep (as noticed by a partner)?
• Do you wake up feeling tired or with headaches?
• Are you excessively sleepy during the day?
• How long have you noticed these issues?

The more information you share, the easier it will be for your provider to see patterns and recommend the right next steps.

Keep a Sleep Diary

Writing down when you go to bed, how long it takes to fall asleep, how often you wake up, and how you feel in the morning can give your doctor valuable insight. A week or two of notes is often enough to help guide the conversation.

Don’t Downplay Your Concerns

It’s easy to brush off poor sleep as “normal” or “just stress.” But if it’s interfering with your quality of life, your doctor needs to know. Untreated sleep disorders like sleep apnea can have serious health consequences if ignored.

Ask About a Sleep Study

The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a simple screening tool that helps identify your risk for sleep-related disorders. It’s quick, easy, and available now on the Haskell Memorial Hospital Sleep Center webpage. Once you’ve completed the quiz, you can use your results to start a meaningful conversation with your primary care provider about whether a sleep study might be right for you.

If your symptoms suggest a sleep disorder, your doctor may refer you to the Haskell Memorial Hospital Sleep Study Center. Our team uses specialized testing to monitor your sleep and identify conditions like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or insomnia. Once we know what’s happening, we can connect you with treatment that works.

“Too often, patients wait years before bringing up their sleep issues with a doctor,” said Heather Waters, BSRC, CRT, director of the Haskell Memorial Hospital Sleep Center. “We want people to know that talking about sleep is just as important as discussing blood pressure or cholesterol. By starting the conversation, you’re taking the first step toward better health.”