Insomnia: concerns of the family physician

Insomnia is frequently seen in the primary care setting. Although poor sleep can impair daytime functioning and directly affect quality of life, insomnia often goes untreated, resulting in perpetuation and, sometimes, exacerbation of the problem. Reversing this trend requires that family physicians become attuned to complaints of insomnia and respond appropriately. Through education about proper sleep hygiene and stress management, and with the appropriate use of hypnotic agents, most cases of insomnia can be managed effectively by the primary care physician and patient without referral to a sleep specialist.