Survey shows 12% of Americans have been diagnosed with chronic insomnia
June 17 2024 - 9:30AM
In a new survey commissioned by the American Academy of Sleep
Medicine, 12% of Americans said they have been diagnosed with
chronic insomnia. Thursday, June 20, is the 11th annual Insomnia
Awareness Night, held by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and
the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine to drive awareness of
chronic insomnia and its treatments.
Insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep,
or regularly waking up earlier than desired, despite allowing
enough time in bed for sleep. Symptoms associated with insomnia
include daytime fatigue or sleepiness; feeling dissatisfied with
sleep; having trouble concentrating; feeling depressed, anxious or
irritable; and having low motivation or low energy.
“Chronic insomnia impacts not just how a person sleeps at night,
but also how they feel and function during the daytime,” said Dr.
Eric J. Olson, president of the AASM. “Fortunately, there are
effective treatment options for those who are living with chronic
insomnia, and these treatments can significantly improve both
health and quality of life.”
Chronic insomnia can be detrimental to physical, mental and
emotional health, negatively affecting overall wellness and daily
functioning. Additionally, chronic insomnia can lead to increased
risks for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, motor vehicle
accidents, Alzheimer’s disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Recommended TreatmentThe most effective
treatment for chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy for
insomnia, which combines behavioral strategies, such as setting a
consistent sleep schedule and getting out of bed when you are
struggling to sleep, with cognitive strategies, such as replacing
fears about sleeplessness with more helpful expectations. CBT-I
recommendations are customized to address each patient’s individual
needs and symptoms. While six to eight sessions are typical, some
patients improve more quickly.
“Cognitive behavioral therapy offers patients who are
experiencing chronic insomnia a highly personalized plan to help
identify any underlying problems and provide long-term solutions
that promote healthy sleep,” said Michael Nadorff, a licensed
psychologist and president of SBSM.
Insomnia Awareness Night Since 2014,
Insomnia Awareness Night has been held nationally to provide
education and support for those living with chronic insomnia. To
learn more about Insomnia Awareness Night, or for more information
about sleep and sleep disorders, visit SleepEducation.org.
Talk to your doctor if you have trouble falling asleep or
staying asleep. Your doctor may refer you to a CBT-I
professional or an AASM-accredited sleep center for
help.
About the Survey American Academy of
Sleep Medicine commissioned an online survey of 2,006 adults
throughout the United States. The margin of error for the overall
sample is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95
percent. Fieldwork took place between May 16 and May 24, 2024, by
Atomik Research, an independent market research agency. Results
from the AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey are available in the AASM
newsroom.
About the American Academy of Sleep
Medicine Established in 1975, the AASM advances
sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM has
a combined membership of 12,000 accredited sleep centers and
individuals, including physicians, scientists and other health care
professionals who care for patients with sleep disorders. As the
leader in the sleep field, the AASM sets standards and promotes
excellence in sleep medicine health care, education and research
(aasm.org).
About the Society of Behavioral Sleep
Medicine The SBSM is an interdisciplinary
organization committed to advancing the scientific approach to
studying the behavioral, psychological and physiological dimensions
of sleep and sleep disorders and the application of this knowledge
to the betterment of individuals and societies worldwide
(https://www.behavioralsleep.org/).
Contact: Brian LaughranPhone: +1
773-726-1842Email: blaughran@lcwa.com