Sleep disturbance referral checklist

Referral checklist for persistent insomnia, possible sleep-disordered breathing, or severe daytime dysfunction.

Last reviewed February 7, 2026

Urgency tier

Same-day escalation for severe somnolence with immediate safety risk.
Expedited referral for significant functional decline or high-risk apnea concern.
Routine referral for persistent sleep disturbance despite first-line management.

Minimum pre-referral workup

Sleep history including latency, awakenings, and daytime impact.
Screen for mood/substance contributors and sleep-apnea risk factors.
Prior behavioral and medication interventions with response timeline.

Referral packet checklist

Structured symptom chronology and sleep-pattern documentation.
Risk-factor summary and relevant comorbidity profile.
Prior treatment attempts and outcomes.

Pre-referral optimization tasks

Reinforce sleep hygiene and driving/work safety precautions.
Continue conservative management plan while awaiting referral.
Set follow-up interval to monitor deterioration risk.

References

Canadian Sleep Society (opens in a new tab)

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