Insomnia in Adults: Etiology and Management

Insomnia is a significant problem in adults that frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. Untreated insomnia is often associated with undiagnosed medical or psychiatric disorders that increase morbidity and mortality. Sleep patterns change with aging, and the presence of comorbid conditions leads to a higher prevalence of sleep disorders in older adults. Practitioners should inquire about sleep disorders with every patient encounter to increase diagnosis and treatment. Effective treatment of insomnia is available with nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment modes.