Life Science Encyclopedia

A sleep log is a record of an individual's sleeping and waking times, usually over a period of several weeks. It is used to diagnose circadian rhythm sleep disorders, and to monitor whether treatment of those disorders is successful.

Components

A sleep log usually includes:

1. The time the person tried to fall asleep
2. The time the person thinks they fell asleep
3. The number, time, and length of any nighttime awakenings
4. The time the person woke up
5. The time the person got out of bed
6. The time the person had wanted to wake up, before trying to fall asleep
7. Whether the person woke up spontaneously, by an alarm clock, or because of other disturbance
8. Whether the person got out of bed by her/himself, by an alarm clock, or because of other disturbance
9. A few words about how the person felt during the day (mood etc.)
10. The start and end times of any daytime naps
11. The name, dosage and time of any medications used including caffeine and alcohol

Data collection

Sleep logs are often hand-drawn on graph paper. Specialized software for creating sleep logs is also freely available. A spreadsheet or database software can also be used.

Sleep logs may be used in conjunction with actigraphy.

See also

• Sleep disorders
• Circadian rhythm sleep disorders

References

• eMedicine - Sleeplessness and Circadian Rhythm Disorder : Article by Mary E Cataletto, MD