Insomnia: An Update on Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Non-pharmacological Management

Insomnia is defined as a condition in which a person finds it difficult to fall or stay asleep.It is usually associated with significant impairment in daytime function and adversely affects the quality of life of the individual.Insomnia is often found in individuals with psychiatric illness and it has been reported that insomnia may be a risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicidal tendencies.As insomnia is associated with poor quality of life, increased rates of road traffic accidents, and adverse health consequences, early detection and treatment of this condition is warranted.It is recommended that treatment be targeted specifically to address insomnia whenever it is present, including when it occurs along with physical or psychiatric conditions.Several treatment options are available for Insomnia.This paper reviews the various studies on insomnia with special emphasis on diagnosis and various non-pharmacological treatments like cognitive behavior therapy in insomnia (CBT-I).