The pharmacist's role in the recognition and management of insomnia

Pharmacists, in collaboration with physicians, are in a unique position to assist the many patients who complain of disturbed sleep and/or impaired daytime functioning. The aim of this article are to familiarize physicians with the role that is and can be played by the pharmacist and to reinforce for practicing pharmacists their multifaceted approach to the insomniac patient. Suggestions are made for pharmacist involvement in patient evaluation, education, and monitoring, and for other possible roles of the pharmacist in dealing with the insomniac patient and the appropriate use of hypnotics.