Common Sleep Problems · 11 / Put it into practice

What would you do?

Ten everyday situations. Choose the answer that best fits what you have explored. You can try again, and you will get an explanation for every answer.

Pass mark: 80% — with ten questions, that means at least eight correct answers. All questions need an answer.

1. Jo has one short night before an appointment, then returns to the usual sleep pattern. What can be concluded? That one night confirms chronic insomnia.One poor night alone does not establish a sleep disorder.A sleep test is always required after one poor night.

2. Pat has had sleep difficulty for six weeks and is struggling to cope in the day. What is the best next step? Wait until three months before asking for help.Assume it cannot matter because it is still short-term.Discuss the problem with a GP now rather than waiting for a duration label.

3. Morgan suspects a prescribed medicine has changed sleep. What is the appropriate response? Discuss the medicine and symptoms with a clinician or pharmacist.Stop the medicine without checking.Change the dose each night until sleep improves.

4. Lee snores, has witnessed breathing pauses and is very sleepy in the day. What should happen next? Use a phone recording as a definitive diagnosis.Arrange clinical assessment of the symptoms.Treat snoring as harmless regardless of the pauses.

5. Alex has an urge to move the legs at rest that eases with movement. Which response is most accurate? It definitely proves iron deficiency.It can only be explained by leg cramps.The pattern is worth discussing, but it does not confirm a diagnosis by itself.

6. Ruth reads that iron may help restless legs. What is the most appropriate next step? Ask a clinician whether assessment or iron testing is appropriate.Start supplements based only on a matching symptom.Assume every case needs the same supplement dose.

7. Pat repeatedly punches and kicks during sleep and has nearly injured a partner. What is the useful response? Ignore the event because Pat cannot remember it.Assume the behaviour identifies one specific disorder.Reduce injury risk and arrange medical assessment.

8. Sam spends enough time in bed but keeps nodding off during conversations. What is the best interpretation? Enough time in bed rules out every sleep problem.Persistent sleepiness can still need assessment of sleep quality and other causes.Unintentional dozing is always simply part of ageing.

9. Lee feels too sleepy to drive to work. What is the safer next step? Do not drive; arrange a safe alternative and discuss persistent sleepiness.Open a window and continue the journey.Assume coffee makes the journey safe regardless of sleepiness.

10. Morgan wants to ask for help but has not finished a sleep diary. What is the most useful response? Wait until a perfect diary is complete.Decide the diagnosis before making an appointment.Ask for help and bring a rough description; a diary can support the conversation later.