Insomnia

Article Reference

Dooren, J. (2005, March 29). Talking Yourself to Sleep; Behavioral Therapies Teach Insomniacs to Snooze Without Relying on Drugs. Wall Street Journal, p. D1.

Summary

According to the National Institute of Health, nearly half of all adults have experienced insomnia, while an estimated 10% to 15% of the population suffer from chronic insomnia. As a result of complaints, the medical profession stepped up its focus on the treatment of sleep disorders. The American Board of Medical Specialties recently recognized sleep medicine as an official subspecialty for physicians. Specialists are finding success with a range of behavior-based therapies. Doctors can use these methods to teach patients to break the cycle of sleeplessness by altering their thoughts and actions.

Dooren (2005) states that insomnia is an age-old problem traditionally treated using sleeping pills and low-dose antidepressants with only short term success. Sleep experts also concede that cutting out caffeine and sleeping in a dark room has also done little to help.

One of the most promising treatments is a form of talk therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Simply stated, change negative thought patterns into positive ones to help de-stress the mind at night. CBT is often used in combination with sleep restriction. Sleep restriction deprives people of sleep, increasing fatigue and helping the mind associate the bed with sleep.

Sepracor Inc. has recently marketed a new drug, Lunesta, as a long-term sleeping pill. It is in final stages of approval with the Drug Enforcement Agency. Sleep experts admit that patients would unlikely learn to sleep on their own upon cessation of the use of the drug without making behavioral changes.

Dooren (2005) lists the downsides related to the cost of CBT therapy sessions and the length of time before results may occur. There is an 80% success rate for those who persevere.

Studies from Stanford University and University of Chicago conclude that sleeplessness contributes to weight gain which links to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The U.S. Surgeon General estimates chronic sleep loss and sleep disorders add $15 billion to the national healthcare bill and reduces workers' productivity by $50 billion.

Experts agree that