Semin Neurol 2009; 29(4): 340-353
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1237125
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Chronic Insomnia

David N. Neubauer1 , Kelleen N. Flaherty2
  • 1Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
  • 2Biomedical Writing Programs, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
09 September 2009 (online)

ABSTRACT

Chronic insomnia afflicts millions of people in the United States. It is associated with decreased quality of life, accidents, several comorbid conditions, increased morbidity, and substantial direct and indirect costs. Chronic insomnia is a multifactorial and individualized disorder. Its etiology may be cognitive or physiologic in nature (or both), and is more often than not associated with a comorbid condition, complicating its recognition, evaluation, and treatment. Effective nonpharmacotherapeutic (cognitive–behavioral therapy for insomnia) and pharmacotherapeutic (hypnotic medications) treatment modalities are available. Treatment of chronic insomnia can make a significant improvement in quality of life, and may also be associated with an improvement in comorbid conditions.

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David N NeubauerM.D. 

Associate Director, Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

4940 Eastern Avenue, Box 151, Baltimore, MD 21224

Email: neubauer@jhmi.edu

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