Insomnia affects millions of people worldwide but understanding why you’re not sleeping well requires more than simply noticing poor sleep. Sleep health clinicians use a structured screening process to better understand symptoms, identify possible contributing factors, and determine the most appropriate care pathway.
This guide explains how insomnia is screened, what tools may be used, and what to expect when working with a Resolve Sleep Health clinician.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is characterized by ongoing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early—despite having adequate opportunity for rest. These sleep challenges can contribute to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and reduced quality of life.
How Is Insomnia Screened?
Screening for insomnia typically includes a review of sleep patterns, symptom history, and—when appropriate—additional assessments to rule out other sleep conditions.
If you’re experiencing sleep concerns, a Resolve Sleep Health clinician can guide you through an initial screener. Here’s what the process looks like:
1. Initial Screening and Sleep History
We begin with a structured screening that reviews your sleep habits, symptoms and lifestyle factors. This helps your clinician understand what may be influencing your sleep.
2. Understanding Symptoms & Care Pathway
Based on your screening responses, your clinician gains a clearer picture of your sleep concerns and recommends the most appropriate next steps for your care.
3. Additional Assessments & Treatment Options
Depending on your symptoms, your clinician may recommend one or more of the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
If insomnia symptoms are identified, CBT-I may be recommended. CBT-I is often combined with lifestyle and behavioral strategies to support better sleep. - Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT)
If sleep apnea is suspected, a convenient at-home test may be recommended to assess breathing patterns and oxygen levels during sleep. - Referral for Polysomnography (PSG)
In some cases, you may be guided on how to obtain a referral from your primary care provider for an overnight sleep study conducted in a sleep clinic.
Why Proper Screening Matters
A thorough screening process helps ensure that care is targeted and appropriate. Understanding the contributors to poor sleep reduces the risk of ineffective or unnecessary treatments and helps identify when further assessment may be needed.
FAQ
Insomnia is more than occasional poor sleep. If you regularly struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake too early—and this affects your daytime energy, mood, or focus—you may be experiencing insomnia symptoms. A Resolve Sleep Health clinician can help determine appropriate next steps through screening.
Not all poor sleep is insomnia. Short-term sleep disruption due to stress, travel, illness, or lifestyle changes is common. Insomnia symptoms are typically ongoing and may require structured support to improve.
Screening typically includes questions about your sleep patterns, daily routines, and stress levels to better understand your sleep concerns.
Yes. Insomnia screening and CBT‑I, services can be provided virtually, making it easy and convenient to access sleep care from home.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT‑I) is considered the first-line, evidence-based treatment and is often combined with lifestyle and behavioral changes.
If sleep difficulties occur at least three nights per week for several months—or if they’re impacting your daily functioning—it’s a good time to seek a professional screening.
Yes. Insomnia symptoms can be associated with stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or sleep apnea. Screening helps identify whether additional assessment or support may be needed.