A community survey of insomnia in Newcastle

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of sleeping difficulty in an urban community and the frequency with which those with sleep difficulty seek medical care and use prescribed medication for sleep. Randomly selected persons aged over 16 years were invited to participate in a telephone survey. A total of 628 individuals was approached and 535 (85 per cent) were interviewed. Older subjects, women and those not in paid employment were overrepresented in the sample. Difficulty sleeping often or always was reported by 17 per cent of men and 25 per cent of women. Of subjects with difficulty in sleeping, 31 per cent had sought medical care. There was no difference between men and women in this regard. Use of prescription medication was reported by 20 per cent of men and 29 per cent of women with sleep difficulty.