KEY CLINICAL POINTS
Insomnia Disorder
Prolonged insomnia is associated with an increased risk of new-onset major depression and may be an independent risk factor for heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, especially when combined with sleep times of less than 6 hours per night.
Evaluation of a patient with insomnia should include a complete medical and psychiatric history and a detailed assessment of sleep-related behaviors and symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, which includes setting realistic goals for sleep, limiting time spent in bed, addressing maladaptive beliefs about sleeplessness, and practicing relaxation techniques, is the first-line therapy for insomnia.
In those with acute insomnia due to a defined precipitant, use of Food and Drug Administration–approved hypnotic medications is indicated.
Long-term use of benzodiazepine-receptor agonists, low-dose antidepressants, melatonin agonists, or an orexin antagonist should be considered for patients with severe insomnia that is unresponsive to other approaches.