Special considerations in insomnia diagnosis and management: depressed, elderly, and chronic pain populations

Patients with insomnia who also have chronic pain or depression or who are elderly represent segments of the population that are particularly difficult to treat. These populations tend to be at higher risk for experiencing difficulty sleeping and are more likely to experience chronic insomnia, sleep maintenance problems, and/or nonrestorative sleep. Worsening insomnia may exacerbate other somatic and psychological symptoms and vice versa. Conversely, there is evidence that appropriate recognition and management of the sleep complaint may alleviate other symptoms related to the associated condition and help interrupt this vicious cycle.