Current landscape of insomnia in managed care.
Insomnia affects a large percentage of the population, particularly the elderly. Literature reports varying estimates of prevalence, a variation that relates to the lack of definition and consistency in diagnostic criteria. Primary insomnia (not caused by known physical/mental conditions) responds to pharmacologic therapy, while secondary insomnia(resulting from other illnesses, medications, or sleep disorders) responds to pharmacologic and psychologic treatments (cognitive therapy, relaxation techniques, stimulus control). Use of certain agents in the elderly and patients with abuse/addiction potential is a concern. Medicare Part D does not cover benzodiazepines (classified as controlled substances). Nonprescription agents are affordable but have sedation and anticholinergic side effects. Medication use should be considered a possible contributing factor. Insomnia patients experience significantly more limited activity and higher total health services than those without insomnia. Annual costs are between $92.5 billion and $107.5 billion. A standard definition and better pathways to recognize and treat insomnia are needed.
Xcenda, 1528 Preston St, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
Claiborne E
CE
Reeder
Meg
M
Franklin
Thomas J
TJ
Bramley
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin / Q000819:agonists; D017678:Sex Distribution; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; D001569:Benzodiazepines