What is the purpose of a sleep diary in assessing sleep disorders?

The purpose of a sleep diary in assessing sleep disorders is primarily to document daily sleep patterns and behaviors. This tool allows individuals to keep a detailed record of various aspects of their sleep, including the time they go to bed, how long it takes them to fall asleep, the number of times they wake during the night, and the total hours of sleep they obtain. By providing this detailed information, healthcare professionals can gain insights into an individual's sleep habits and identify potential disturbances or patterns that may contribute to sleep issues.

This documentation can also help assess the effectiveness of any interventions or treatments. The data collected in a sleep diary can be correlated with other clinical assessments to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the individual's sleep health, leading to better diagnosis and individualized treatment plans.