Weekly Sleep Diary
A 7-day fillable sleep diary based on the questions used in standardized sleep self-monitoring, with a weekly summary box for calculating sleep efficiency in CBT for insomnia.
2-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Self-monitoring
- Approach / concern
- Sleep / CBT-I
- Technique
- Self-monitoring
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 2 pages (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Weekly Sleep Diary?
A sleep diary is a daily log of sleep and wake times, completed each morning. It is the main assessment and monitoring tool in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). The questions on this sheet follow the core items recommended by the Consensus Sleep Diary (Carney et al., 2012), including time in bed, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, final wake time and sleep quality.
Why it works
CBT-I is recommended as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults (Qaseem et al., 2016). Diary data drive the key interventions, especially sleep restriction (sleep scheduling) and stimulus control, and allow progress to be measured week by week. Many clients find that their sleep is better than they thought once it is recorded.
When to use it
- Assessment of insomnia complaints
- Throughout CBT-I to set and adjust sleep windows
- Sleep problems related to depression, anxiety, pain or shift work
- Monitoring the effects of medication changes
How to use it in session
- Explain that estimates are fine and that clock-watching at night should be avoided.
- Ask the client to complete the diary each morning for at least one week before starting treatment.
- Calculate average time in bed, total sleep time and sleep efficiency together.
- Use the data to set a sleep window and stimulus control guidelines.
- Continue the diary weekly to guide adjustments.
Clinician tips
- Keep the diary by the coffee maker or toothbrush as a morning cue.
- Missing a day is fine. Encourage the client to continue rather than reconstruct.
- Look for patterns between naps, caffeine, alcohol and sleep onset.
- Screen for sleep apnea, restless legs and other medical issues where relevant.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a client keep a sleep diary?
At least one to two weeks for assessment, then throughout CBT-I, which is usually 4-8 sessions.
Is a wearable tracker better?
Wearables can add data, but CBT-I relies on the client’s perceived sleep, which a diary captures best. Use both if helpful.
References
Carney, C. E., Buysse, D. J., Ancoli-Israel, S., Edinger, J. D., Krystal, A. D., Lichstein, K. L., & Morin, C. M. (2012). The Consensus Sleep Diary: Standardizing prospective sleep self-monitoring. Sleep, 35(2), 287-302.
Edinger, J. D., & Carney, C. E. (2014). Overcoming insomnia: A cognitive-behavioral therapy approach, therapist guide (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Qaseem, A., Kansagara, D., Forciea, M. A., Cooke, M., & Denberg, T. D. (2016). Management of chronic insomnia disorder in adults: A clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine, 165(2), 125-133.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
