Experience of patients suffering from insomnia with a focus on their perceptions and therapeutic journey

This survey explores the experience of French patients suffering from insomnia disorder, focusing on their perception of the disorder and their therapeutic journey to identify gaps in their care pathway. The main objectives included assessing the impact of insomnia disorder on daily life, well-being, and awareness of treatment options.

The survey was performed at the end of 2022 and included 150 French patients aged 35 to 65years suffering from chronic insomnia disorder according to the DSM-5 criteria. Participants were recruited from a national online panel managed by IPSOS via an electronic pre-screening questionnaire (community/non-hospital setting). A 20-item questionnaire was used to assess perception of sleep, the impact of insomnia symptoms, and views on the therapeutic options proposed to them.

Seventy-one percent of respondents with clinical insomnia associated "good quality sleep" with uninterrupted sleep and feeling refreshed in the morning. Mental stress and having an overactive brain were perceived as the main factors contributing to insomnia for 73% and 38% of clinical insomnia patients, respectively. Insomnia disorder significantly impacted patients' daily functioning, with many reporting difficulties in work performance (61%), poor concentration (73%), and anxiety (39%). A large portion of respondents also expressed concerns over forgetfulness (53%) and diminished social and emotional well-being (up to 67%). Although multiple diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines exist for insomnia treatment, only 19% of participants received educational support, and 79% had never been referred for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), considered to be the first-line treatment. Most patients (79%) would like to have access to more educational content about insomnia.

This survey highlights the substantial impact of insomnia disorder on patients' lives, extending beyond sleep quality to affect overall well-being and work performance. It points toward important gaps in current treatment practices, especially non-pharmacological approaches. Improving clinicians' awareness of evidence-based approaches and resources is key to improved insomnia disorder care and patient outcomes.