Treatment of insomnia: a review and update

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the treatment options available and their usage and outcomes in the treatment of insomnia in the USA. Both pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy are recommended in the physician guidelines for insomnia management. Although pharmacotherapy can produce a rapid pharmacologic effect, for long-term effectiveness, behavioral therapy can be considered for chronic primary insomniac patients. The cost of behavioral therapy is a notable barrier to its prescription for patients with sleep difficulties. Increased utilization of both behavioral- and pharmacotherapy may reduce insomnia-related healthcare costs and increase health-related quality of life. Further research should focus on the role of these therapies in outcomes of insomnia management.

Keywords::

• behavioral therapy
• health outcomes
• health-related quality of life
• insomnia
• pharmacotherapy