Sleep Problems, Age 12 and Older

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Severe depression with a plan for committing suicide that includes all of the following:
  • Having the means, such as weapons or medicines, available to commit suicide or do harm to another person
  • Having set a time and place to commit suicide
  • Thinking there is no other way to solve the problem or end the pain

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you are unable to sleep or you wake up at night because of: Frequent thoughts of death or suicide: Go to the topic: Suicidal Thoughts or Threats. Difficulty breathing: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older. Chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain. Abdominal pain: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older.

Yes	Do you think your sleep problem may be caused by a change in your mental health, such as depression, anxiety, or stress?
Yes	Do you think your sleep problem may be caused by a medicine or other drug use?
Yes	Do you, your partner, or your child have signs of sleep apnea?
Yes	Do you fall asleep at inappropriate times?
Yes	Do you regularly use sleeping pills or alcohol to help you get to sleep?
Yes	Has your sleep problem continued after home treatment?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA	Last Updated: January 12, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
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