What do I need to know about caring for someone with a sleep disorder?

If you are caring for someone who has a sleep disorder, you should make an appointment for them to see their doctor. Getting diagnosed is the first step toward treating, or in some cases even curing, the problem. In the meantime, take steps such as making sure the person is sleeping in a dark room, avoiding medications that might make their sleeping disorder worse, and not drinking alcohol before bedtime. If the person is overweight or smokes, encourage them to adopt a healthier lifestyle, as obesity and smoking are both risk factors for certain sleep disorders.