Insomnia Flashcards
What is insomnia?
Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or early morning wakening
When is chronic insomnia diagnosed?
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for at least three nights per week for 3 months or longer
What are the risk factors for insomnia?
- Female
- Older age
- Lower educational attainment
- Unemployment
- Economic inactivity
- Widowed, divorced or separated
- Alcohol misuse
- Stimulant usage
- Medications e.g. corticosteroids
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Anxiety / depression
How is a diagnosis of insomnia made?
Patient interview
Sleep diaries
What is the short term management of insomnia?
Identify potential causes e.g. mental / physical health issues
Advise not to drive when sleepy
Advise good sleep hygiene: no screens before bed, linited caffeine intake, fixed bed times
Hypnotics if daytime impairment is severe
Which hypnotics are used for insomnia?
Short acting benzos or non-benzodiazepines (zopiclone, zolpidem and zaleplon)
Diazepam isn’t recommended by can be useful if related to daytime anxiety
Repeat Px aren’t usually given
What psychiatric condition features insomnia?
Schizophrenia
