Prevalence and consequences of insomnia disorders in the general population of Italy

To assess the prevalence of insomnia disorders using DSM-IV classification, and the consequences of insomnia in the Italian general population.

A representative sample of the Italian general population composed of 3970 individuals aged 15 years or older were interviewed by telephone using the Sleep-EVAL system (participation rate: 89.4%). Participants were interviewed about their sleep habits and sleep disorders. DSM-IV classification was used by Sleep-EVAL to determine the sleep disorder diagnosis.

Insomnia symptoms were reported by 27.6% of the sample. Sleep dissatisfaction was found in 10.1% and insomnia disorder diagnoses in 7% of the sample. The use of sleep-enhancing medication was reported by 5.7% of the sample. Most of these subjects were using anxiolytics. Dissatisfaction with sleep was associated with daytime sleepiness. Middle-aged drivers dissatisfied with their sleep were three times more likely to have had a road accident in the previous year compared to other drivers. However, fewer than 30% of subjects dissatisfied with their sleep or with an insomnia disorder diagnosis had consulted a physician about their sleep problem.

As in other European and non-European countries, insomnia is widespread in Italy. The consequences are important. Appropriate recognition and treatment of insomnia should be part of an educational program for general practitioners everywhere.